Abrdn Property Regulatory News (API)

1 Feb 2006 15:10

API Group PLC01 February 2006 1 February 2006 API GROUP PLC BOARD CHANGES API Group plc, the specialist packaging company, announced today the appointmentof Brian Birkenhead as a Non-executive Director. In addition, the Companyconfirmed the appointment of Richard Wright as Non-executive Chairman,succeeding David Hudd who is retiring as a Director following today's AnnualGeneral Meeting and as previously announced. Andrew Walker, who joined the Boardas a Non-executive Director in July 2003, is appointed to the role of SeniorIndependent Director. All the appointments take effect immediately following theAGM. Mr Birkenhead (64) has held a number of senior financial roles including GroupFinance Director of National Power plc from 1989 to 1996, in which capacity heplayed a major role in the privatisation of the energy industry, Director ofFinance of Johnson Matthey plc and Finance Director of Shell Oil UK. He was theChairman of The Hundred Group of Finance Directors. Mr Birkenhead has also beenappointed Chairman of the Company's Audit Committee and a member of theRemuneration and Nominations Committees. Mr Wright (60) joined the Board in September 2001 and has wide internationalexperience, having previously held senior executive roles with the Ford MotorCompany, Jaguar Cars, International Harvester and JCB. He is also the formerChairman of the Board of National Savings and Investments, an executive agencyof HM Treasury. He has previously fulfilled the roles of the Company's SeniorIndependent Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Commenting on the appointments, Richard Wright said: "These changes ensure a degree of continuity on the Board while also introducingnew experience. I am delighted to welcome Brian to the Board. He has anoutstanding record in industry and will bring to the Company a wealth ofexperience in relevant areas which will be of great benefit to the Group. Ishould also like to thank David Hudd for his effective leadership of the Boardover a number of challenging years." Mr Birkenhead is a Non-executive Director of Hermes Fund Managers Limited andCaffyns plc. He is also a Trustee of the BT Pension Scheme and Chairman of ITnetplc Pension Schemes, Cubitt Consulting Limited and Presidents Quay Limited. Inthe past five years, he has been but is no longer a Non-executive Director ofITnet plc, De La Rue plc and Oiltools plc. He was Non-executive Chairman ofNewburn Consulting Limited. There is no further information which is required tobe disclosed under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules. Ends Enquiries David Walton, Chief Executive, API Group plc 01625 858700Tim Spratt/Caroline Wells, Financial Dynamics 020 7831 3113 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange