The Jefferson Smurfit Group has appointed the former Governor of Illinois, Mr James R Thompson, as a non-executive director of the company. Mr Thompson (61) is chairman and chief executive of the Chicago international law firm Winston & Strawn and has been an independent director of JS Corp, the Jefferson Smurfit US associate.

Announcing the appointment yesterday, Smurfit chairman and chief executive, Dr Michael Smurfit, said Mr Thompson would bring a wealth of experience to the board.

Mr Thompson served as Governor of Illinois for four terms from 1977 to 1991. He has also served as US attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and has served on many civic and business boards. He has served as chairman of the National Governors Association, the Midwestern Governors Conference, the Council of Great Lakes Governors and the Republican Governors association. Mr Thompson has been a director of FMC, the Chicago Board of Trade, Hollinger International, Union Pacific Resources and is a member of the international advisory council of the Bank of Montreal.