Houston, Texas USA – October 10, 2003 – Annette Walder, formerly with Devon Energy Corporation, has joined the staff of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers, Inc. (IISRP) effective 16 October 2003, James L. McGraw, IISRP Managing Director & CEO, announced today.

Walder’s career includes teaching college level mathematics, holding a biostatistician position at Synergos, Inc., a pharmaceutical consulting firm, and most recently as Senior Systems Analyst at Devon Energy, an oil and gas company.

Walder will assume the statistical program responsibilities as Manager of Statistical Services. Following a brief transition period, Britt Theismann, currently the Director of Statistical Programs, will resign to pursue other interests.

Ms. Walder has a 26-year-old son in the Army, a 22-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter, both attending college.

The IISRP is an international not-for-profit association with 45 corporate members domiciled in 21 countries who produce 95 percent of the world’s supply of synthetic rubber. Incorporated in 1960 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the Institute supports regional offices in London and Tokyo.