Yrjö Närhinen appointed for Hartwall's new Managing Director

Hartwall's board of directors has appointed Mr Yrjö Närhinen, aged 37, as Managing Director for Hartwall with effect from 1 October 2006.

Mr Närhinen joins the company from Procter & Gamble, where he has worked for 14 years, most recently as country manager for Finland. Prior to that, he has worked as country manager for Norway and led the company's Nordic customer marketing department in Stockholm.

John Nicolson, chairman of Scottish & Newcastle's Greater Europe division, and Erik Hartwall, chairman of Hartwall, welcomed the appointment. "Hartwall and Scottish & Newcastle are very lucky to have attracted Mr Närhinen, who has established a strong reputation as a dynamic manager with extensive experience in brands and consumer goods markets in Scandinavia. We are sure he will continue to drive our Finnish business forward, and welcome him to S&N's management team."

Mr Närhinen is proud and happy to join Hartwall and S&N's operations in Finland.
"I recognize Hartwall as persistent expert on quality brands and leading company in the market. It is a motivating and inspiring challenge to represent and build, together with our partners, Hartwall's Finnish brand icons. Considering also S&N's strong international expertise, Hartwall has a strong position to develop Finnish beverage markets through innovations and brands. I'm eager to learn more Hartwall's brands, personnel, customers and other partners."

Hartwall's former Managing Director Mika Seitovirta resigned from the company upon own request on 31 May 2006, since when Deputy Managing director Ralf Hollmén has served as Acting Managing Director. Mr Hollmén will continue at this position until Mr Närhinen takes over the responsibility as Managing Director 1 October 2006.