Following the release of the announcement by Illovo Sugar that Don MacLeod would be retiring as Managing Director on 31 March 2009, and that Graham Clark, presently the Operations Director, would succeed Mr MacLeod as Managing Director with effect from 1 April 2009, the Chairman, Robbie Williams, in congratulating Mr Clark on his appointment, said that the board had expressed its full confidence that he would provide able leadership as the group’s next chief executive. He noted that, “Graham has extensive operational, commercial and financial experience within the Illovo group and the broader sugar industry, both throughout Africa and internationally, which, along with his high level of commitment would stand him in good stead as Managing Director of a dynamic and growing business.”

Referring to Mr MacLeod’s pending retirement, Mr Williams recorded the board’s appreciation for Mr MacLeod’s dedication and passion for Illovo Sugar during a career spanning over 30 years, and particularly the past 16 years in his role as Managing Director. He advised that the board was very pleased that Mr MacLeod would be continuing as a member of the board in a non-executive capacity, and that his appointment as Deputy Chairman with effect from 1 April 2009 was fully supported by the holding company, Associated British Foods plc, and by executive management.

Mr Williams explained that in his role as Deputy Chairman, Mr MacLeod would have a particular involvement in the company’s Africa subsidiaries and in specific projects undertaken by the group. He noted that, “Don’s vast knowledge of and experience in the Illovo group and the countries within which it operates would be of considerable benefit to the group as a whole, and to me personally as Chairman, especially with regard to our growth plans in Africa.”

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