Statement re Chairman

DS Smith Plc - Statement re Chairman

DS Smith Plc today announces that its Chairman, Peter Johnson, will stand down from his responsibilities as Chairman for a temporary period in order to devote himself to caring for his wife, who is ill. Mr. Johnson will remain on the Board of DS Smith Plc, and expects to return to his full duties as Chairman in due course.

Gareth Davis, Deputy Chairman, will act as Chairman during Peter Johnson's absence.

Matthew Jowett

Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

Notification Date: 7 October 2011

Enquiries:

DS Smith +44 (0)1628 583 400

Matthew Jowett

Tulchan +44 (0)20 7353 4200

John Sunnucks

David Allchurch