Greensboro, North Carolina
November 30,  2001

Syngenta announced today that Bob Woods, chairman of Syngenta Corporation, will assume responsibility for Syngenta Crop Protection in NAFTA. The appointment is effective immediately.

Having steered Syngenta Crop Protection in NAFTA through the intensive merger and post-merger period, Heiri Gugger, regional head and president of Syngenta Corporation has decided to leave the company at the end of November to pursue other opportunities.

"We thank Heiri for his contribution over the years, and particularly for his role in the creation of Syngenta in NAFTA," said John Atkin, chief operating officer of Syngenta Crop Protection. "We wish him every success for the future."

Bob Woods started his career in 1965 with Chipman Chemicals in Canada, and then moved to the US as a sales representative for agricultural products. He held progressively senior positions including regional manager of the business in North and South America and CEO of Garst Seed Company. In 1990, he was appointed President of Zeneca Ag Products.

"We are pleased that Bob is taking up this role bringing his extensive experience to the leadership of the business," said John Atkin.

Syngenta is a world leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Pro forma sales in 2000 were approximately US $6.9 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Formed in
November 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals, Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, and in London, New York and Stockholm. Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Company news release
N4004