Elopak's Board of Directors have appointed Niels Petter Wright as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Wright comes from the position as Chief Financial Officer of Elopak and has since 2000 played an important part in the establishment of Elopak's leading position in the global market for packaging systems for fresh, liquid foods.

Niels Petter Wright replaces Bjørn Flatgård who chose to step down after ten years as Elopak's CEO. Wright joined Elopak in year 2000 and has since then played an important part in the establishment of Elopak as a globally leading and profitable industry player within fresh liquid food packaging.

"Niels Petter Wright has a strong track record in international business, developing through finance and controlling into more strategic and operative roles. These are important skills to Elopak and we are very pleased that he has accepted to take on the responsibility as President and CEO. We feel that we have appointed a person with the right competence both on the professional and personal level, and think he is the right person to lead and further strengthen Elopak", says Ferd CEO and chairman of Elopak's Board of Directors, Johan H. Andresen jr.

Prior to joining Elopak Wright held the position as CFO for the leading Norwegian automobile group Bertel O. Steen. Before that he worked for nine years in Dyno, a global chemical conglomerate, ending up as Executive Vice President for strategy and finance. Wright started his career as management consultant and he holds a M.Sc. from The Norwegian School of Business and Administration.

The start of 2007 has been both rewarding and challenging for Elopak. The company has started the year in a very positive way by delivering strong results. However, Ferd's attempt to buy Elopak's rival SIG, and merge the two companies, ended in March. Ferd has chosen to keep Elopak as a stand alone company, wholly owned by Ferd. The strategic initiatives that were put on hold during the acquisition attempt will now be realized, and will contribute to a further strengthening of Elopak's position, extending market share, global reach and profitability.

Niels Petter Wright will take on his new position with effect from May 7, 2007.