Wilmington, DE, Oct. 6, 2003 - - Hercules Incorporated (NYSE: HPC) today announced that Dr. William H. Joyce has resigned from the Company and its Board of Directors.  Dr. Joyce informed the Board that he intends to accept another executive position in the industry.  He has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since mid-2001.

The Board has elected outside director John K. Wulff Chairman of the Board.  He most recently served as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and previously was Chief Financial Officer of Union Carbide Corporation.  The Board also named Craig A. Rogerson acting President and Chief Operating Officer.  Since April 2002, Mr. Rogerson has been President of Hercules’ FiberVisions and Pinova divisions and Corporate Vice President of Global Procurement.  He was previously Vice President and General Manager of BetzDearborn and earlier served as President and CEO of Wacker Silicones Corporation.

The Board has begun a CEO search, and will be assisted in the process by Spencer Stuart.  The search will consider internal as well as external candidates.

Joe B. Wyatt an outside director and Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Ethics Committee said, "The Board will conduct a thorough search assisted by a leading executive recruiting firm to find the person best qualified to lead Hercules in taking full advantage of its excellent market position.  The Board extends its sincere thanks to Bill Joyce for his successful efforts to turn Hercules around over the past two years."

Mr. Wulff said, "Bill was the right leader during a very challenging time for Hercules.  We now have the opportunity to build on the strong platform that is in place.  As we conduct the search, Craig Rogerson and our outstanding executive team will ensure that the company does not miss a beat."

Dr. Joyce said, "I am very proud of the accomplishments of the people of Hercules over the past two years.  It has been an honor to be part of the team that successfully turned the Company around and established a solid foundation for its future.  I am confident that the management team and people of Hercules will continue to grow, strengthen, and improve the Company."

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