Directorate Change

GUINNESS PEAT GROUP plc("GPG" or "the Company")

ANNOUNCEMENT

Appointment of a Director

GPG announces the appointment on 6 March 2013 of Mr Waldemar Szlezak as a non-executive director of GPG.

 Mr Szlezak is a representative of Soros Fund Management LLC ("SFM"). SFM is the principal investment advisor to Quantum Strategic Partners Ltd, a private investment fund which is the holder of record of 133,201,970 (8.8%) of the ordinary shares of Guinness Peat Group plc.

Commenting on Mr Szlezak's appointment, Rob Campbell, Chairman of GPG, said "I am pleased to have the expertise and market background which Mr Szlezak will bring to the board. I see this as part of the transition process as the focus of our business shifts to Coats and we attract a wider range of investors."

In relation to Mr Szlezak's appointment as a non-executive director of GPG, no further information is required to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.

Chris HealyCompany SecretaryGuinness Peat Group plcTel: +44 20 7484 3370

7 March 2013

Enquiry details are:

New Zealand and Australian media: Geoff Senescall on: +64 9 309 5659

UK media: Kevin Smith on: +44 20 7282 1054