THE executive vice president, sales and marketing, of the Jefferson Smurfit Group, Mr David Austin, has retired from his position for health reasons.

Mr Austin (60) will remain on the board and continue to be available to the group on a consultancy basis.

Announcing his retirement yesterday, the group chairman and chief executive, Dr Michael Smurfit, paid tribute to Mr Austin who has been with the group for over 27 years. "We are all indebted to David for his loyalty and tireless commitment to the group and are delighted that we shall still be able to call on his expertise and profound knowledge of our business as a main board member," Dr Smurfit said.