Board changes

Smith (DS) PLC
08 March 2006





                                                                    8 March 2006







                             DS SMITH BOARD CHANGES





DS Smith Plc, today announces that Antony Hichens, who has been Chairman since
September 1999, will be retiring from the Board at the end of 2006, having
reached the age of 70.



The Company also announces that Peter Johnson will become Chairman from 1
January 2007.  Peter, aged 58, has been a non-Executive Director of DS Smith
since December 1999.  He is currently Chief Executive of George Wimpey Plc and
he will be retiring from this position on 30 June 2006.  He is a Director of the
Home Builders Federation Ltd, a Member of the Supervisory Board of Wienerberger
AG and a Member of the Council for Industry and Higher Education.



Commenting on the appointment of Peter Johnson, Antony Hichens said:



'Peter Johnson has made a major contribution to the Board's deliberations and
decision making as a non-Executive Director.  I am pleased that he will be
taking up the position of Chairman and am confident that he will guide the
Company wisely as it continues its development.'





Enquiries

DS Smith Plc          020 7932 5000
Peter Aubusson, Group Communications Manager

Financial Dynamics    020 7269 7291
Richard Mountain/Susanne Walker



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