Directorate Change



5January 2010

DS SMITH PLCBOARD CHANGES

DS Smith Plc, the international packaging manufacturer and office products wholesaler, announces the following Boardchanges.

GarethDavis

Gareth Daviswill join the Board of DS Smith Plc as a Non-Executive Directorin mid2010. Gareth, aged 59, has considerable Board level experience.He has been ChiefExecutive of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC since its incorporation in 1996, and has served as aNon-Executive Director since 2003 and Senior Independent Director since 2004 of Wolseley plc.

Peter Johnson, Chairman of DS Smith, said:

"I am delighted Gareth Davis will be joining our Board. With his record at Imperial Tobacco, he brings most valuable experience as we embark on the next stage of the Company's development."

As required by the Listing Rules, it is confirmed that there are no details to be disclosed pursuant to LR 9.6.13 R (1) to (6). MrDavisdoes notcurrentlyhold any shares in the Company.

Senior Independent Director

Chris Bunker hastakenover the role of Senior Independent Director with effect from1January2010. Christakes over from Bob Beeston, who served as Senior Independent Director since September 2003 and as aNon-Executive Director since 5December2000. Bob Beeston remains on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

Carolyn Cattermole
Company Secretary
01628 583 400