Erik Barents, our Operations Director Europe, is to retire at the end of the year after more than 31 years of service.

Erik has had a distinguished career, having managed the Rozenburg Site since 1988, a role he relinquished only in 2003 when he took up his current regional position. He has not only been instrumental in the development of Rozenburg as a world-class MDI manufacturing location, but he has also managed the development of a very strong team of professional managers, engineers and technicians, many of whom are now in leading positions  throughout our global business.

Erik's contribution to the development of Huntsman Polyurethanes' operations in Europe has been outstanding and he has made significant contributions in ensuring that Rozenburg has become the focus of PU's  major European asset development. His hallmark professionalism and integrity has ensured that Huntsman enjoys an outstanding reputation in the eyes of the community and regulators in the Netherlands.

Changes resulting from Erik's retirement, along with details of other changes in business structure, will be announced by the end of this month. Until his retirement, Erik will report to me and work on a number of key European projects, and he will continue to be Chairman of the Supervisory Board (the non-executive board) of Huntsman Holland BV.

I'd like to thank Erik for his contribution to Polyurethanes and his many years of service. Please also join me in wishing him every success for the future and for a long and happy retirement.

RON GERRARD

Vice President Operations