The senior management team to lead the Smurfit Stone Container Corporation (SSCC) has been announced.

Dr Michael Smurfit will be non-executive chairman, with Mr Roger Stone serving as president and chief executive officer of the new company. All operating units will report to Mr Stone.

Mr Ray Curran, appointed executive vice-president and deputy chief executive and Mr Patrick Moore, vice-president and chief financial officer will also report to Mr Stone.

The two companies expect the merger to be completed by the third or fourth quarter.