Kirk will take the reins as of March 3, 2003 with an impressive resumÈ ñ he is a Rhodes scholar, former medical student, policy adviser for the New Zealand government, former chairman of the Australia Paper Industry Council and most recently, Australian regional president of paper producer Norske Skog.

ìMr Kirk brings to PMP the operational and leadership skills required to implement the recommendations of the strategic review currently being undertaken by PMP in conjunction with Bain International,î says PMP chairman Graham Reaney.

ìHe has a strong record of growing shareholder value by driving change through all levels of business. Key to his selection were his experience of managing businesses with similar operating environments to PMP and his track record of successfully leading companies through the type of challenges the group is currently facing.î

The 42 year-old will command a salary package of $675,000 a year plus three million five-year share options.

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