Effective from 1 April 2009 Luke McKeever will take over in the role of Chief Executive, replacing Nick Randall who, as previously announced, will retire from the Board at that time.

In addition, John O'Connell announces today his retirement as Non Executive Chairman effective from the end of February, in order to have more time to focus on his many other business and charitable interests. In the meantime the Board has commenced a search for a new independent Non Executive Chairman and a further announcement will be made regarding that appointment in due course.

Luke McKeever, Chief Executive Designate of Portrait Software, commented: "On behalf of the Board I want to thank Nick and John for their considerable contribution to the business over the last few years. Under their stewardship Portrait has transformed its operations from a technology solutions business to a software applications business with a very exciting future. This transformation would not have been possible without their vision, tenacity and commitment. I look forward to taking up my position as CEO of a company which I firmly believe has great potential."