Greensboro, North Carolina
August 26, 2002

Syngenta (NYSE: SYT) announced today that Michael Mack has been named president of Syngenta Crop Protection Inc., with responsibility for the company's North American operations, based in Greensboro. Mack, 42, was formerly president of the Atlanta-based worldwide paper division of Imerys S.A., a French corporation. His appointment is effective Sept. 1.

Prior to his role at Imerys, Mack held senior management roles based in the U.S. for English China Clays plc and with Mead Corporation. He is a native of Michigan, with an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in economics from Kalamazoo College in Michigan. He also studied at the University of Strasbourg in France. 

"Mike brings to Syngenta a strong track record of US and international business leadership," said John Atkin, chief operating officer of Syngenta Crop Protection. "He has management expertise in high-level strategy and operations, as well as a strong sales and marketing background."

Bob Woods, who has led Syngenta Crop Protection's North American operations since Nov. 2001, will work closely with Mack during the transition. Woods will remain as chairman of Syngenta Corporation, U.S., based in Wilmington, Delaware.

"We are most grateful to Bob for stepping into this post late last year and for steering the North American crop protection business through a crucial time," said Atkin. "Syngenta will continue to benefit from Bob's energy and commitment as he resumes his earlier role as chairman of Syngenta Corporation (US)."

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness. The company ranks first in crop protection, and third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2001 were approximately US $6.3 billion. Syngenta employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. The company is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative Research and Technology. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange and in London, New York and Stockholm.