2010-09-08 08:11:07 -

Orkla's Board of Directors has appointed Bjørn M. Wiggen (50), President and CEO
of Sapa, as President and CEO of Orkla to succeed Dag J. Opedal. Mr Wiggen will
take up his new position today.

"The Board of Directors is convinced that Bjørn M. Wiggen is eminently qualified
to head Orkla's further development effectively and in the best interests of
shareholders and employees. His ability to execute plans, track record and broad
international experience of leadership within and outside Orkla were decisive
factors in this appointment," says Board Chairman Stein Erik Hagen.

"Orkla is a very exciting company to head. I have good, strong feelings for this
Group," affirms Bjørn M. Wiggen.

"Orkla will remain a diversified portfolio company. I will continue to build on
Orkla's strong positions and competencies, but   it is also important to
prioritise resources so as to maximise Orkla's ability to create long-term value
for its shareholders. There are good growth opportunities in markets such as
those in which Orkla Brands and Sapa operate, and we see particular potential
for us in Asia. We will concentrate the Group's activities on a smaller number
of areas in the time to come, and we will seek to reduce our exposure to solar
energy over time," declares Wiggen.

 "Bjørn knows Orkla well from many different angles. He has demonstrated an
ability to implement demanding change processes, such as the sale of Orkla Media
and Elkem's energy operations. He has developed Sapa into a leading global
company by means of operational improvements, the swap with Alcoa and the
acquisition of Indalex," says Hagen.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dag J. Opedal for his
comprehensive efforts and more than 20 years of contributions to the Group's
development and growth," says Hagen.

The current head of Sapa's operations in North America, Timothy R. J. Stubbs
(43), will replace Mr Wiggen as CEO of Sapa. Mr Stubbs will be a member of
Orkla's Group Executive Board.

Bjørn M. Wiggen has a degree (siv.økonom) from the Norwegian School of Economics
and Business Administration (NHH). He was CEO of Pripps Breweries in Sweden
(1996-1998) and Ringnes (1998-2001), after which he held key positions at
Carlsberg Breweries from 2001 to 2004, including responsibility for Carlsberg's
breweries in Central and Eastern Europe. Mr Wiggen was CEO of Orkla Media/Mecom
Europe (2005-2007), Elkem (2008) and Sapa (from 2009).

Orkla ASA
Oslo, 8 September 2010

For follow-up:
Chairman of the Board Stein Erik Hagen, +47 24 13 30 11,ser@canica.no
CEO Bjørn Wiggen, +47 22 54 45 38
info@orkla.no

References:
SVP Communications Ole Kristian Lunde, Tel.: +47-2254 4431
SVP Investor Relations Rune Helland, Tel.: +47-2254 4411

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl
(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)


[HUG#1443140]





Stubbs new CEO in Sapa: 
hugin.info/111/R/1443140/387368.pdf




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