Jan 22, 2009. /Lesprom.com/. AbitibiBowater Inc. has announced the appointment of Richard B. Evans to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, effective February 1, 2009, the company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Mr. Evans is currently a director of AbitibiBowater and a member of the Board of Directors of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Ltd. He has recently announced his retirement from the Rio Tinto Boards, effective in April. Additionally, Mr. Evans is Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Alcan until February 1, 2009, when he will retire from this role. He is the former CEO of Alcan Inc., current Chairman of the Board of the International Aluminium Institute and past Chairman of the U.S. Aluminum Association, and a director of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. "We are fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Dick Evans to assume the Chairmanship of AbitibiBowater," stated David J. Paterson, President and CEO. "As we continue our work to better position the Company, we will benefit from Dick's extensive experience and business insight." The Company also announced that John W. Weaver has resigned as non-Executive Chair of AbitibiBowater, effective February 1, 2009. To permit an orderly transition, he will remain as a director but will not stand for re-election at the Company's next Annual Stockholders' Meeting. Mr. Weaver was President and CEO of Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. from 1999-2007, prior to being appointed Executive Chairman of AbitibiBowater in October 2007. "John is an industry leader and has always worked diligently to manage through challenging times," commented David Paterson. "He was instrumental in the creation of AbitibiBowater, and on behalf of all Company stakeholders, I wish John the very best and thank him for his invaluable dedication and contributions." Additionally, Gordon D. Giffin will retire from the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Giffin has served on the Company's Audit, and Environment, Health and Safety committees. He is a senior partner with the law firm McKenna, Long & Aldridge LLP. "I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Gordon for his wise counsel and support," stated David Paterson. AbitibiBowater produces a wide range of newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp and wood products.