JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At a meeting of the board of Gold Fields Limited (JSE:GFIJSE:NYSE:JSE:GFI), held on October 30, 2005, Christopher M T Thompson formally notified the board of his intention to retire as chairman and a member of the board with effect from the end of the annual general meeting of the Company, which will be held in Johannesburg on Thursday, November 17, 2005. The board unanimously elected Alan J Wright (64), currently the deputy chairman of Gold Fields, to succeed Thompson as non-executive chairman. Thompson in early 2005 indicated his intention to step down as chairman of Gold Fields after the defeat of the Harmony bid. "I leave confident in the knowledge that Gold Fields has now settled down and is stronger for the experience, and well focused on the new challenges that lie ahead," said Thompson. Referring to the appointment of Wright as his successor he said: "Alan is a veteran of the gold mining industry and well equipped to step into the role of Chairman, and is committed to the strategy of growing the Company internationally." The board thanked Thompson for his leadership over the past seven years and especially for the role that he played in building Gold Fields into a truly global company. "During his seven years at the helm he directed Gold Fields from being a largely South African company, producing just more than 2 million ounces of gold per year and with a market capitalization of less than R7 billion, to become a truly global producer of well over 4 million ounces of gold per year and a market capitalization in excess of R45 billion. He made a lasting contribution in shaping the fortunes of the modern Gold Fields." Notes to Editors: Thompson joined Gold Fields as an independent non-executive director in May 1998. He was appointed as chairman and chief executive officer on October 7, 1998, a position he held until June 30, 2002, when, on his recommendation, Ian Cockerill was appointed to succeed him as chief executive officer. Thompson remained as chairman from July 1, 2002. Alan Wright first joined the board of Gold Fields Limited as deputy chairman at the inception of the Company late in 1997. Before that he served as chief executive officer of Gold Fields of South Africa (GFSA), in which capacity he was instrumental in the creation of Gold Fields Limited through the merger of the gold interests of GFSA and Gencor. http://www.goldfields.co.za/ DATASOURCE: Gold Fields Limited CONTACT: Gold Fields Limited Enquires: South Africa, Willie Jacobsz, Tel +27-11-644-2630, Fax +27-11-484-0639; Nerina Bodasing, Tel +27-11-644-2460, Fax +27-11-484-0639; North America, Cheryl A Martin, Tel +1-303-796-8683, Fax +1-303-796-8293

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