Dennis Reilley’s outstanding character, vision and leadership have earned him the admiration and respect of chemical industry leaders, and we are proud to honor him as the recipient of the 2008 Chemical Industry Medal,” said David Weidman, chairman and CEO, Celanese Corporation, and current chairman, SCI America Section. “Under his leadership, Praxair grew to become one of the largest industrial gases company in the world and delivered significant value creation for its shareholders. In addition, Dennis has and continues to be a gifted advocate and ambassador for our industry.”

About Dennis Reilley

Dennis Reilley retired from Praxair in 2007, where he had served as chairman, president and chief executive officer for about seven years. Prior to joining Praxair in 2000, Reilley was executive vice president and chief operating officer of DuPont. He held numerous positions at DuPont and its former energy subsidiary, Conoco. Reilley joined Conoco in 1974 and served in a variety of positions in both upstream and downstream organizations. He was named a Vice President of Conoco in 1984. In 1989, he transferred to DuPont. From 1990 to 1994, he served as vice president and general manager of the titanium dioxide business. Between 1994 and 1995, he held the position of vice president and general manager of the specialty chemicals business. In 1996, he was named vice president and general manager of the Lycra business. Reilley was named an executive vice president in 1997 and chief operating officer in 1999.

A native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Reilley received a bachelor of science degree in finance from Oklahoma State University. He also is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development. Reilley is a member of the boards of H.J. Heinz Company, the Marathon Oil Company, the Dow Chemical Company and the Conservation Fund. He is non-executive chairman of the board of Covidien Ltd. He is a former chairman of the American Chemistry Council. Reilley has been married to his wife Cindy for 33 years. They have two sons, Jason and Michael.

About the Chemical Industry Medal

The Chemical Industry Medal, established in 1933, replaced the coveted Grasselli Medal, which had been sponsored by the Grasselli Chemical Company and awarded by SCI America for more than a decade. Presentation of the Chemical Industry Medal is made annually to a recipient selected by the Executive Committee of the America International Group of the Society of Chemical Industry. The Chemical Industry Medal is a testimonial to men and women whose leadership, foresight, and contributions to applied chemistry have been, to a considerable degree, responsible for the growth of that industry. The medal has attained distinction by reason of the outstanding achievements and caliber of those who have been honored.

About the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)

The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is a unique international forum where science meets business on independent, impartial ground. Anyone can join, and the Society offers a chance to share information between sectors as diverse as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science and safety. Originally established in 1881, SCI is a registered charity with individual Members in over 70 countries. Its international headquarters are in London, UK, and it has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, India and mainland Europe. Ever since its foundation, SCI's principal objective has been to further the application of chemistry and related sciences for the public benefit. www.soci.org