SAPPI APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR FINE PAPER BUSINESS

SAPPI LIMITED
South Africa
Press Release
Johannesburg, 04 April 2001

Sappi appoints new Chief Executive for Fine Paper business

Sappi today announced the appointment of a new London based Chief Executive of
Sappi Fine Paper.

As of 1st May 2001 William (Bill) Sheffield will take over this role from Sappi
Executive Chairman, Eugene Van As, who has been acting as interim Chief
Executive of Sappi Fine Paper since the acquisition of KNP Leykam. Mr Sheffield
will also join the Sappi Limited Board.
Eugene van As, Executive Chairman of Sappi, said;

"I am delighted that we have found a candidate of Bill Sheffield's calibre and
experience to lead the Fine Paper business.  He has highly relevant

international industrial experience, which will add significant weight to our
business."

A Canadian citizen, Bill Sheffield was until recently Executive Vice President
of International Operations and Corporate Development at Abitibi Consolidated,
the world's largest producer of newsprint.  In that role, he was responsible
for the Group's international operations and joint ventures.  Prior to this, he
held responsibilities in Logistics and Marketing.

Sappi also announced that Monte Haymon, President and Chief Executive of Sappi
Fine Paper North America, indicated last year that he wished to retire at the
end of 2001. He will, however, remain on the Sappi Limited Board after his
retirement.  Haymon will serve as  non-executive Chairman of Sappi Fine Paper
North America once his successor has been appointed, in order to effect a
smooth transition.

Wolfgang Pfarl will continue as Chief Executive of Fine Paper Europe and, in
addition to his Sappi Limited Board responsibilities, will drive initiatives
across the Group to develop young, international managers.

Albert Lubbe will continue to head up the South African Fine paper business.
ENDS
Issued by:
Brunswick
on behalf of Sappi Limited
Tel +27 (0)11 442 8803
Fax +27 (0)11 442 8838
For further information:
Johan van Wyk
Sappi
Corporate Affairs Manager
Tel +27 (0)11 407 8044
Fax +27 (0)11 403 8236
johanvw@za.sappi.com
Notes to Editors:

The Executive directors of the Sappi Group will be:

Executive Chairman                            Eugene van As

CEO, Sappi Fine paper                         Bill Sheffield

Executive Director, Finance                   Donald Wilson

Chairman, SA businesses                       John Job

CEO, Sappi Fine paper North America           Monte Haymon

CEO Fine Paper Europe                         Wolfgang Pfarl

Following this appointment, the Board of Sappi Fine Paper will consist of:
Chairman                                      Eugene van As

Chief Executive                               Bill Sheffield

Chief Financial Officer                       Trevor Larkan

Director of Marketing                         Hank Mollenhauer

Director of Planning & Technology             Doeko Bosscher
President & Chief Executive Fine Paper,

 North America                                Monte Haymon

Chief Executive Fine Paper, Europe            Wolfgang Pfarl

Executive Director, Finance                   Donald Wilson

Chairman, South African Businesses            John Job