Robert (Bob) DeKoch to join Sappi Limited board

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sappi Limited (NYSE: SPP, JSE: SAP), the global pulp and paper group, announced today that Mr Robert (Bob) J DeKoch will join the board as an independent non-executive director as from 01 March 2013.

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Mr Bob DeKoch is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of The Boldt Company in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. The Boldt Company with 14 offices across the USA is a US$700 million privately held construction services business with customers in power/energy; pulp and paper; food; automotive; plastics; healthcare; and education.

Prior to joining The Boldt Company, Mr DeKoch served as a production manager and mill manager as well as VP of manufacturing for Appleton Papers (USA). He also served inter alia as technical director of Consolidated Papers (USA). Mr DeKoch holds a BA Chemistry and an MBA in Finance and General Management. He is a board member of The Boldt Company, of Palmer Johnson Power Systems as well as of the Fox Cities Children's Museum and New North Inc., a regional economic development organisation. He has co-authored two books on leadership thinking.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Danie Cronje, chairman of Sappi Limited, said "Bob DeKoch brings a wealth of experience regarding leadership as well as lean manufacturing to the board. His broad industry experience will also contribute to the board's deliberations.  We are pleased to welcome him to the Sappi board."

Sappi Limited

(Registration number 1936/008963/06)

(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)

Share code: SAP       

ISIN: ZAE000006284

NYSE code SPP

("Sappi" or the "Company")

For Further Information Contact:

Denis O'Connor

Group Secretary

Sappi Limited

Tel +27 (0)11 407 8072

Fax +27 (0)11 339 1881

denis.oconnor@sappi.com

SOURCE Sappi Limited