From January 1, 2005, Werner Cautreels, currently Global Vice President R&D of Solvay’s Pharmaceutical Sector, will succeed Jürgen Ernst as General Manager of the Pharmaceutical Sector and member of the Executive Committee of the Solvay group.

After a career of 35 years with the Solvay Group, Jürgen Ernst will be retiring on December 31, 2004.

Solvay is an international chemicals and pharmaceuticals group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs more than 30,000 people in 50 countries.  In 2003 its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 7.6 billion generated by its four activity sectors: Chemicals, Plastics, Processing and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay is listed on the Euronext 100 index of top European companies. Details are available at www.solvay.com.

For further information please contact :

Martial Tardy , Corporate Press Officer
SOLVAY SA Headquarters
Tel: 32 2 509 72 30
Fax: 32 2 509 72 40
E-mail : martial.tardy@solvay.com