Mar 10, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. DS Smith Plc, announced on Wednesday, March 8, that Antony Hichens, who has been chairman since September 1999, will be retiring from the board at the end of 2006, having reached the age of 70. The company also announced that Peter Johnson will become chairman from 1 January 2007. Mr. Johnson, aged 58, has been a non-executive director of DS Smith since December 1999. He is currently chief executive of George Wimpey Plc and he will be retiring from this position on 30 June 2006. He is a director of the Home Builders Federation Ltd, a member of the supervisory board of Wienerberger AG and a member of the council for industry and higher education. Commenting on the appointment of Peter Johnson, Antony Hichens said: “Peter Johnson has made a major contribution to the board’s deliberations and decision making as a non-executive director. I am pleased that he will be taking up the position of chairman and I am confident that he will guide the company wisely as it continues its development.” DS Smith Plc is an international group focused on two major activities - packaging and office products.