Alliance President Appointed to Board

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 11/11/2011

Alliance One International's president, J. Pieter Sikkel, was appointed to its board of directors effective November 8. In welcoming Sikkel to the board, Mark W. Kehaya, chairman of the board and CEO, said Sikkel possessed a wealth of industry and company knowledge that began in 1983 when he joined Standard Commercial Corp. "From 1991 until 1999, Pieter served as China country manager and was instrumental in developing our Chinese business," Kehaya said. "Thereafter, he served as Asia regional director until April 2007, when his responsibilities were further broadened and he became our executive vice president heading the global Business Strategy and Relationship Management team. "In December 2010, Pieter was appointed president of the company and has been a driving force in our cost cutting initiatives, efficiency improvements and growth strategy. "Pieter is a strong manager who brings to the board substantial tobacco experience and industry insight. Combined with his extensive company background, Pieter will help to provide guidance that is essential to driving future strategic decisions that should deliver enhanced shareholder value." Enditem