Directorate Change

GUINNESS PEAT GROUP plc

("GPG" or "the Company")

ANNOUNCEMENT

Appointment of a Director

GPG announces the appointment today of Mr Scott Malcolm as an independent non-executive director to the Board of GPG. 

Mr Malcolm has over 25 years' experience in investment banking and is presently a partner in a Sydney-based corporate advisory firm, Greenstone Partners. 

Commenting on Mr Malcolm's appointment, Rob Campbell, Chairman of GPG, said "Scott brings wide ranging experience to the GPG Board during the implementation of its strategy to realise value". 

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

Chris Healy

Company Secretary

Guinness Peat Group plc

Tel: +44 20 7484 3370

19 January 2012

Enquiry details are:

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

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