Siegfried Appoints Rudolf Hanko Chief Executive

Siegfried Holding AG in Zofingen (SIX: SFZN) announces the appointment of Dr. Rudolf Hanko as new Chief Executive Officer. The 53-year-old Rudolf Hanko, a German citizen, holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has held several management positions in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry. He is currently Head of the exclusive synthesis and amino acids business line of Evonik Industries AG, a German specialty chemical company. Prior to his appointment to Evonik, Hanko was Head of chemical research at Bayer AG’s pharmaceutical Division and subsequently General Manager of the company’s fine chemicals business unit.

Siegfried Chairman Markus Altwegg: “Rudolf Hanko has profound knowledge and extensive experience in our core business, namely exclusive synthesis for the research-based pharmaceutical industry. His record of performance and deep roots in this market together with our proven technical processes and high standards present a strong foundation for success.”

Dr. Rudolf Hanko will assume responsibility for the company on 1 May 2009.

Siegfried’s Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Richard Schindler, will leave the company to take on a new position with another Swiss company. Richard Schindler joined Siegfried on 1 May 2000. The Board of Directors and Group Management would like to thank him for his enormous commitment and dedication during the past 9 years. The appointment of a new CFO will be announced in due course.