Further re Appointment of Chairman

Further re Appointment of Chairman

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Liam O’ Mahony appointed Chairman of

Smurfit Kappa Group plc

SKG.I SKG.L

Smurfit Kappa Group plc (‘SKG’ or the ‘Group’), one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and Latin America, announces that Liam O’ Mahony was appointed Chairman of the Board today in place of Sean Fitzpatrick who resigned last week.

Liam O’ Mahony joined the Board in March 2007 and has served as the Company’s Senior Independent Director since then. Liam retires on 31^st December 2008 as Chief Executive Officer of CRH plc a position he has held since January 2000 having joined CRH plc in 1971. He will remain on the Board of CRH plc. He is also a member of The Irish Management Institute Council.

Following his appointment Mr. O’Mahony stated “I am honoured to become Chairman of Smurfit Kappa Group and look forward to contributing to its progress in this challenging business environment”

Nicanor Restrepo who joined the board in March 2007 has been appointed Senior Independent Director in place of Liam O’ Mahony. Mr. Restrepo is a businessman of substantial experience in many industries during a distinguished career in Latin America.

About Smurfit Kappa Group

Smurfit Kappa Group is a world leader in paper-based packaging with operations in Europe and Latin America.

Smurfit Kappa Group operates in 22 countries in Europe and is the European leader in containerboard, solid board, corrugated and solid board packaging and has a key position in several other packaging and paper market segments, including graphic board, sack paper and paper sacks. Smurfit Kappa Group also has a growing presence in Eastern Europe. Smurfit Kappa Group operates in 9 countries in Latin America and is the only pan-regional operator.