Johannesburg - Ralph Boettger will step down as chief executive of Sappi Limited later this year due to ill health, the global paper manufacturing company said on Wednesday.
Boettger would step down as chief executive and director of the SA Pulp and Paper Industries Limited on June 30 after seven years.
“I deeply regret having to make this decision.... However, I believe that spending my time with my family has become the priority and that it is in the best interest of the company and of my family for me to step down as announced,” Boettger said in a statement.
Board chairman Dr Danie Cronje said a process was in place to find Boettger's successor.
“On behalf of us all I wish Ralph and his family all the very best for the future,” Cronje said.
Boettger, 51, was appointed chief executive in 2007.
He was previously the executive director of Imperial Holdings Limited.
His field of responsibility included businesses operating in southern Africa, a number of countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. - Sapa