Jean Claude Steinmetz Appointed As Rhodia Vice President, Automotive and Transportation Markets

Chicago, Illinois, June 19, 2006 – On June 1, 2006, Jean-Claude Steinmetz was appointed as Rhodia Vice President in charge of the Automotive and Transportation Markets. In his new position, he will have the mission to accelerate Rhodia’s development and penetration efforts in both markets. He joined Rhodia in 1999 as President of Rhodia’s Engineering Plastics business, and most recently was Vice President of Rhodia’s Engineering Plastics and Industrial Yarns Strategic Business Unit. He will report directly to Yves Boisdron, Rhodia Group Executive Vice President, Strategy.

As president of Rhodia Engineering Plastics from 1999 - 2006, Jean Claude Steinmetz was responsible for the global leadership of 1,300 people in eight manufacturing facilities, seven technical centers, and more than 60 sales offices worldwide.

“Under Jean-Claude’s leadership at the head of Rhodia Engineering Plastics,” commented Boisdron, “our engineering plastics business has doubled in both size and profitability, and led the polyamide industry in the introduction of new technology over that time frame.”

Prior to joining Rhodia in 1999, Steinmetz spent five years with GE Lighting - Europe, as a General Manager responsible for programmes in the UK and Hungary, and as Managing Director of Lindner/GE Lighting. From 1984 -1994 he worked for GE Plastics - Europe where he held a range of management posts including: Manager Automotive Programs, France and Spain; Marketing Director, and later Commercial Director, of GE Structured Products.

Jean Claude Steinmetz holds both BSc. in Chemical Engineering and MSc. degrees in Industrial Management from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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