APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CONT...

06:50 London, 08:50 Helsinki, 12 February 2013 - Ruukki Group Plc, Stock Exchange Release

APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CONTINUATION OF ORGANISATIONAL RESTRUCTURING

Ruukki Group Plc ("Ruukki" or the "Company") (LSE: RKKI, OMX: RUG1V) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Dr Danko Koncar as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Company, effective immediately. Dr Koncar previously served as Executive Enterprise Director for the Company. Dr Koncar and his interested parties hold 70,936,172 shares representing 28.55 per cent of the Company's issued share capital.

As previously disclosed, Mr Thomas Hoyer, CEO; Mr Markus Kivimäki, General Manager: Corporate Affairs; and Mr Kalle Lehtonen, General Manager: Finance, will leave their positions. All the resigning executives will remain with the Company until end of March 2013 to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES
The Board of Directors has taken the decision to centralise the Company's headquarter and other group support functions to Malta. By centralising functions into one location the Company expects significant benefits through increased efficiency and lower costs. Following the disposal of Ruukki's wood processing businesses in 2011 the Company has no remaining operative units in Finland. Ruukki has had a presence in Malta since 2008 where it has already centralised its sales and marketing operations.

Dr Jelena Manojlovic, Chairman, said: "During the past three years Thomas, Markus, Kalle and the whole Helsinki-based team have successfully executed a major strategic change. From a diversified conglomerate with interests in various industries Ruukki has been transformed into a focused mining and minerals company. Our focus on specialised products provides us with a good base for profitability.

With these changes in the organisation our management structure will become more aligned with operations and we are confident that the increased efficiencies targeted will in the long run improve profitability."

Dr Danko Koncar, CEO, said: "As the 2012 results published today show, the company is continuously improving its performance despite the very challenging market environment. Last year was Ruukki's most profitable year to date in the mining and minerals business. Our aim is to secure positive development even if the market environment continues to be tough.

Our near-term focus is on efficiency and cash-flow maximisation, but that does not mean that we are abandoning our long-term growth strategy. We are committed to growing our business and are currently evaluating multiple growth tracks. To further process our products at Mogale Alloys could open up a new market for us and significantly improve the margin of our operation. We are also looking into further expanding our mining activities, both in South-Africa and in Turkey. Energy is a key component for Ruukki and we are undertaking various initiatives related to securing availability of power and reducing our energy costs.

We aim to generate cash-flow and profits for our shareholders. With the Board's proposal for a one Euro cent capital redemption at the AGM in May, we wish to show to our shareholders that, even in the most challenging market I have experienced during my over 20 years in this industry, Ruukki generates cash and is able to distribute cash to its owners. We are committed to increase our distribution to shareholders as the performance of the company further improves and the Board will discuss a potential additional dividend later in the year."


RUUKKI GROUP PLC
Jelena Manojlovic
Chairman of the Board


For additional information, please contact:

Ruukki Group Plc
Markus Kivimäki, General Manager: Corporate Affairs, [phone], [e-mail]

Investec Bank Plc
Neil Elliot, [phone], [e-mail]
George Price, [phone], [e-mail]


Ruukki Group is a chrome mining and minerals producer focused on delivering sustainable growth with a speciality alloys business in southern Europe and a ferro alloys business in southern Africa. The Company is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (RUG1V) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (RKKI).
www.ruukkigroup.com

Distribution:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
London Stock Exchange
main media
www.ruukkigroup.com

---

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients.

The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the
information contained therein.

Source: Ruukki Group via Thomson Reuters ONE

HUG#1677284