Rob Van Der Merwe Steps Down As Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Chairman, President And Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP) announced today the retirement of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Rob van der Merwe, effective immediately. The Board has named Independent Director George Babich, Jr., an executive with proven turnaround experience, as interim CEO and President, and elected William S. Antle, III as non-executive Chairman. The Company will also announce today its first quarter 2012 results in a separate news release.

Mr. Babich has served on the Checkpoint Board since 2006 and was a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Mr. Babich and Mr. Antle will form a Special Committee to lead a comprehensive new turnaround initiative at Checkpoint. As part of this effort, the Special Committee will conduct a thorough strategic review of each of Checkpoint’s business units in order to enhance operational performance and drive growth. Other Checkpoint Directors will serve on the Special Committee from time to time to provide guidance on their specific areas of business expertise.

Mr. van der Merwe said, “Checkpoint’s recent performance continued to be dogged by volatile retail market conditions during the first quarter. Despite this, the cost take-out we committed to last October is solidly on track and I am proud of the rapid progress made by the global teams. The Board and I have mutually agreed that a change would be in the best interests of the Company. Accordingly, I will be assisting George to effect a smooth transition before taking early retirement. My team is in good hands and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly wish them the very best going forward.”

R. Keith Elliott, Lead Independent Director of the Checkpoint Board, said, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to thank Rob for his many years of service to Checkpoint. Rob has told the Board that he will help ensure a smooth transition and we wish him well in his future endeavors.

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