SAPPI LIMITED - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to step down due to ill-health

Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) to step down due to ill-health


Sappi Limited
(Registration number 1936/008963/06)
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Share code: SAP       ISIN: ZAE000006284)
(“Sappi” or the “Company”)

Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) to step down due to ill-health

In accordance with paragraph 3.59 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, it is with deep
regret that the board of directors (“the board”) of Sappi Limited informs shareholders that the
CEO of the company, Ralph Boëttger, will be relinquishing his position as CEO and director
on 30 June 2014. Ralph, who has been with Sappi as CEO for almost 7 years, has been
diagnosed with a serious illness and has taken the decision to step down.

Dr Danie Cronjé, Chairman of the board of Sappi Limited, said: “I personally and on behalf of
the board and everyone at Sappi, express our heartfelt thanks to Ralph for the sterling work
he has done in leading Sappi through a particularly challenging period in the company’s
proud history. Under Ralph’s leadership the group has been transformed. A clear strategy
and sound action plans are in place; the major projects to re-position the group have been
successfully completed and are operational, leaving the company in a position for growth into
the future.

“A process is in place to identify Ralph’s successor and to allow for a timeous and smooth
hand-over.

“On behalf of us all I wish Ralph and his family all the very best for the future.”

Commenting on his decision, Ralph said: “I deeply regret having to make this decision at this
time as I am convinced that Sappi stands on the cusp of a period of strong performance and
exciting growth. However, I believe that spending my time with my family has become the
priority and that it is in the best interest of the company and of my family for me to step down
as announced. I would like to thank Dr Cronjé, the board of Sappi and every single employee
for their support and dedication in re-positioning Sappi for a great future.”

Mr Boëttger retires by rotation as a director of the company at the AGM on 5 February 2014
and remains available for re-election. Such re-election will under the circumstances only be
for a period up to and not beyond 30 June 2014.

Denis O’Connor
Group Secretary
Sappi Limited
Tel +27 (0)11 407 8072
Fax +27 (0)11 339 1881
denis.oconnor@sappi.com

15 January 2014
Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd

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