KCI Konecranes Appoints Deputy to the CEO

The Board of Directors of KCI Konecranes International Plc has appointed Mr Matti Ruotsala (M.Sc. Eng.) deputy to the Group’s President and CEO.

Group President and CEO, Mr Stig Gustavson has not had an appointed deputy although the company’s Articles of Association anticipates such a position.

In accordance with its Corporate Governance Principals the Group has now filled this position. The Board also wishes to strengthen the top leadership as the Group today faces rapid growth in its business.

Mr Ruotsala will function as the Group’s COO (Chief Operating Officer) in charge of day-to-day operative business activities. The Business Area Executives will report to Mr Ruotsala.

Mr Ruotsala has been with KCI Konecranes since 1982, in different positions both in Finland and abroad. His most recent position was that of Director of Technology, since 1997. During 1994-1997 he was Group Commercial Director in charge of acquisitions in Germany. During 1991-1994 Mr Ruotsala headed the Region Asia-Pacific.

The appointment is effective as of 1 April, 2001.

This press release together with a downloadable high-resolution picture of Matti Ruotsala is available at www.kcigroup.com at "Latest News".

For further information, please contact:

Stig Gustavson, President and CEO,
KCI Konecranes International Plc
Tel. +358-20 427 2000

Downloadable high-resolution image:

img290301.exe TIF-file for PC, self-extr. (1.2 MB)
img290301.sit TIF for Macintosh, Stuffit (1.2 MB)
img290301.jpg JPEG-file (783x1170 px) (135 K)