BASF executives to take over Ciba CEO and CFO roles

• Michael Heinz to become CEO
• Hans-Juergen Seeger to become CFO

Basel, Switzerland – April 15, 2009 – The Board of Directors of Ciba, now part of BASF, has appointed Michael Heinz (45) from BASF as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ciba.  In addition to his role as CEO, Heinz will continue with his responsibilities for the integration of Ciba into BASF. Brendan Cummins is stepping down from his role as CEO and will remain at Ciba in an advisory capacity for the next few months.

Hans-Juergen Seeger (55), currently Managing Director of BASF Services Europe GmbH, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Ciba, taking over from Niklaus Meier who had been the ad interim CFO, since the former Chief Financial Officer, Juerg Fedier left the company at the end of 2008.  Both appointments are effective immediately. 

About Ciba

Ciba (SWX: CIBN), part of BASF since April 2009, is a leading global company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers’ products. We strive to be the partner of choice for our customers, offering them innovative products and one-stop expert service. We create effects that improve the quality of life – adding performance, protection, color and strength to plastics, paper, automobiles, buildings, home and personal care products and much more. Ciba is active in more than 120 countries around the world and is committed to be a leader in its chosen markets. In 2008, the Company’s continued operations generated sales of CHF 5.9 billion and invested more than CHF 230 million in R&D. Further information on Ciba is available on the Internet at www.ciba.com.

 About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information   on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

P-09-Ciba