Noble Group appoints Yusuf Alireza as CEO

The group also announces board Appointments and Management Changes

Noble Group Ltd is pleased to announce that Mr. Yusuf Alireza will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of the Company with effect from 16 April, 2012.

Richard Elman will step down as acting CEO and will continue as Chairman, also with effect from 16 April, 2012. Prior to his appointment, Yusuf was Co-President of Asia (ex Japan) for Goldman Sachs and a member of that firm's Global Management Committee. He first joined Goldman in 1997, becoming head of Goldman's Asia securities division in 2008.

Commenting on the appointment Richard Elman said, "Noble is delighted that Yusuf has decided to join us. He is an outstanding talent, and brings with him an unrivalled combination of commercial and financial acumen, and inspirational leadership skills. We have worked with him in his previous role and are very excited that he is joining Noble at this stage of our growth and development."

Mr. Alireza said "After a long, rewarding career at Goldman Sachs spanning three continents and a number of businesses, I look forward to the exciting challenge of being Noble Group's next CEO. During the time I have spent in Asia, I have had the opportunity to get to know the Noble Group, and have great respect for the organisation and its people. It is an honour to have been chosen to lead the team."

In addition, Noble is pleased to announce that Mr. William Randall has been appointed as a member of the Board with effect from 6 February, 2012, according to a Noble Group report.

Mr. Randall will also assume the title of Head of Hard Commodities and in that capacity will be responsible for Noble's Hard Energy, and Metals, Minerals and Ores businesses. He is currently Noble Group Head of Energy Coal & Carbon Complex. He started his career at Noble in Australia in 1997, transferring to Asia in 1999 where he established Noble's coal operations, mining and supply chain management businesses. He was appointed Global Head of Coal & Coke in 2006 and became a member of the Noble Group internal management board in 2008. He will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Elman said "These appointments are part of Noble's succession planning, and further strengthen our leadership as I prepare to reduce my day-to-day involvement. As a major shareholder myself, and with my detailed knowledge of their abilities, I am more than happy to be handing over to such competent and world-class colleagues."