Gareth Davies takes charge as DS Smith Chairman, Peter Johnson, steps down

This January, it has been announced that Peter Johnson, Chairman of DS Smith Plc, has retired. The Board had been planning his retirement in 2012 for some time. Peter joined the Board in 1999 as a non-Executive Director, taking the helm as Chairman in 2007.

Taking his place as Chairman of the Board and of the Nominations Committee with immediate effect is Gareth Davies, Active Chairman since October 2011 and a non-Executive Director of DS Smith Plc since June 2010. Gareth has previously held the position of Group Chief Executive of Imperial Tobacco PLC and is also currently Chairman of both Wolseley Plc and William Hill Plc.

Chris Bunker, Senior non-Executive Director of DS Smith Plc said "On behalf of the Board and the Company, I would like to thank Peter for his immeasurable contribution to DS Smith. He has led the business through a period of transformation, and the business is in an excellent position to grow and develop further as a result. The Board is delighted that Gareth has agreed to succeed him as Chairman and lead the Company through this next exciting stage of growth."