News Release

ICCA Elects Christian Jourquin as President and Alain Perroy as Secretary

Washington, Brussels, 8 October 2008 – At their meetings on 3 October, the Board of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) approved the nomination of Mr. Christian Jourquin, CEO of Solvay, as President of ICCA for the next two years, and the ICCA Steering Committee elected Mr. Alain Perroy, Director General of Cefic (the European Chemical Industry Council), as ICCA’s Secretary for the same period.

Mr. Jourquin recognized that the coming years will be crucial for the global chemical industry.  “Firmly grounded in the belief that the benefits of chemistry are absolutely necessary to respond to the needs of future generations, ICCA is fully committed to the long-term vision of a strong and innovative chemical industry. Our industry is at a crossroads and will continue to respond to unprecedented challenges and to grasp opportunities for improvement in many issues essential for the future of mankind”, he said.

The new President also recognized the successful leadership of his predecessor, Mr. Robert Wood, CEO of Chemtura.  “Bob has helped the global industry ’walk the talk’ with our stakeholders as we commit ourselves to sustainable chemistry,” said Mr. Jourquin.

“ICCA’s organization has been enhanced to promote long-term, strategic planning and to address three priority areas: Chemical Policy and Health, Energy and Climate Change, and Responsible Care®,” added Mr. Perroy. “We will focus our efforts on demonstrating to governments, intergovernmental organisations and the public that our industry is a reliable, willing and effective partner in meeting global sustainability objectives”, he concluded.

ICCA is the worldwide voice of the chemical industry.  In 2007, turnover for the chemical industry was estimated to reach around US$ 3,200 billion (€2,300). The chemical industry directly employs about 7 million people. Taking into account indirect employment, more than 20 million people around the globe have a job connected to this industry.