Aberdeen Group Announces Leadership Transition at Ex-pack Corrugated Cartons PLC: Sattar Kassim Retires as Chairman, Thulci Aluwihare Appointed

Aberdeen Group announces that Mr. Sattar Kassim will retire from the Board of its listed subsidiary, Ex-pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, with effect from 18th November 2026, relinquishing his position as Chairman from the same date. At its meeting held on 9th November, the Board of Ex-pack resolved to appoint Mr. Thulci Aluwihare, an Independent, Non-Executive Director of the company, as Chairman of the Board with effect from 18th November 2026.

Mr. Kassim's retirement on his 70th birthday marks the close of a distinguished chapter. A founding figure of Aberdeen Group, he played a central role in shaping the Group’s strategic direction and building it into the diversified business it is today. During his tenure as Chairman, he steered Ex-pack onto a path of sustained profitability, strengthening its financial foundations for the future. Under his leadership, Ex-pack also completed its Initial Public Offering and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, a significant milestone for both the company and the Group.

Aberdeen Group extends its deep appreciation to Mr. Kassim for his vision, guidance and steadfast commitment to Ex-pack, and for the strong foundation he leaves for the company's next phase of growth.

The Group welcomes Mr. Aluwihare, the Deputy Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, who brings over 25 years of international experience across London, Melbourne and Colombo in mergers and acquisitions, public–private partnerships, transaction advisory and restructuring. Mr. Thulci Aluwihare played a pivotal role in establishing Sri Lanka's first foreign-currency-designated, multi-services Special Economic Zone, working closely with the Presidential Secretariat as a member of the Colombo International Financial Centre Steering Committee Task Force. 

He currently leads efforts to attract foreign direct investment into Port City Colombo, a USD 15 billion new township development, and to position it as a destination for international businesses. A former Director and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at PwC Sri Lanka and Maldives, he also serves as an Independent, Non-Executive Director of Bank of Ceylon, the largest commercial bank in Sri Lanka, and Abans Finance PLC.

Aberdeen Group is confident that Mr. Aluwihare’s expertise in investment, capital markets and corporate governance will be invaluable to Ex-pack as it builds on the strong foundation laid under Mr. Kassim’s leadership.