DAYTON, Ohio. October 30, 2000 - The Mead Corporation today announced that Elias M. Karter, executive vice president, is retiring from the company on December 31, 2000. "Eli Karter’s many accomplishments at Mead include directing expansion of the Mahrt and Stevenson mills, leading our acquisition of the Rumford mill, and initiating the consolidation of Mead Paper,” said Jerry Tatar, Mead chairman, president and chief executive officer. “For the past few years, he has been the champion of Mead’s Total Customer Satisfaction effort and his significant contributions have positioned us for continued success. I’ve worked with Eli in many projects and initiatives over the past 20 years. He’s a wonderful person and an important asset to the corporation. Eli will be missed.” Mead also announced that the Board of Directors has elected Ian W. Millar to executive vice president, effective January 1, 2001. Millar will retain his role as president of Mead Paper and assume responsibility for Mead Pulp Sales. "Ian Millar has demonstrated strong leadership and strategic planning skills in creating a more focused Mead Paper,” Tatar said. “His expertise in international business environments and his successful management of Mead Packaging (1993-98) and Mead Paper (1998-present) make him well qualified for an expanded role on our executive team.” Raymond W. Lane, executive vice president, will increase his responsibilities by adding oversight for Mead Containerboard and Gilbert Paper. He will retain responsibility for Mead Coated Board, Mead Packaging, Mead Consumer & Office Products and Mead Specialty Paper. The Board of Directors also elected Mark T. Watkins to vice president of Technology effective December 1. In this newly created position, Watkins will be responsible for Human and Environmental Protection, Central Research, Corporate Engineering, and Mead’s share of the Northwood Panelboard Company in Bemidji, Minnesota. Watkins is presently serving as vice president of human resources and organizational development for Mead Paper. He previously was vice president of Operations for Mead’s paper mill in Escanaba, Michigan, after coming to Mead from Union Camp. Vicki L. Davies was named director, Audit, effective November 1. She is joining Mead from Champion International where she held a variety of financial management positions.