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Ferro's Chairman Hector Ortino Dies at Age 63

November 29, 2005

Hector R. Ortino, 63, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ferro Corporation, passed away on November 28 of natural causes. Ortino served Ferro for 34 years. He became Chief Executive Officer effective on January 1, 1999, and was named Ferro's chairman on April 23, 1999. During his career, Ortino filled many important leadership roles and was responsible for several critical strategic initiatives.

As chairman Ortino was instrumental in the development and implementation of the company's current corporate strategy, the Leadership Agenda, which focuses on portfolio management and balancing of springboard, platform and foundation businesses. Ortino consistently supported the company's geographic expansion efforts, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. He was also instrumental in the successful execution and integration of the dmc2 acquisition, the largest acquisition in Ferro's history.

Ferro announced that James F. Kirsch, 48, will follow Ortino as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective immediately. Kirsch has been serving as Ferro's President and Chief Operating Officer.

Kirsch has been active in day-to-day management, with responsibility for global business operations, since joining Ferro as its President and Chief Operating Officer in October 2004. Previously, Kirsch served as President of Premix Inc. and Quantum Composites, Inc., manufacturers of thermoset molding compounds, parts and sub-assemblies for the automotive, aerospace, electrical and HVAC industries.

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