NORTHBROOK, Ill.--Jan. 16, 2002--General Binding Corporation says that Don Civgin will be joining the Company as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer next week. Mr. Civgin had previously been with Montgomery Ward, a $3 billion privately-held retailer with 250 stores, since 1997, when he was recruited as part of their restructuring team and then held the successive positions of Senior Vice President-Finance and Senior Vice President-Merchandise Operations. In these positions, he was responsible for capital markets activities, strategic and financial planning, merchandise planning and analysis, tax, treasury, accounts payable, and vendor relations. From 1995-1997, Mr. Civgin was Vice President and Treasurer of Alliant Foodservice, Inc., a $5 billion national foodservicedistributor, and was responsible for corporate finance activities, financial community relationships, real estate, and treasury. Prior to Alliant, Mr. Civgin had broad-based finance and business development experiences at various companies including Itel Corporation, Amoco Production Company and Northwest Industries, Inc. "We are pleased to have a seasoned financial executive with Don's wealth of experience in finance and business development,'' said Dennis Martin, GBC's Chairman, President and CEO. "With his background and commitment to excellence, Don will be instrumental in helping us execute our continuous improvement programs to drive growth, profitability and shareholder value for GBC.'' GBC is an innovative global technology leader in document finishing, film lamination, visual communications and paper shredder products. GBC's products are marketed in over 115 countries under the GBC, Quartet, Ibico, VeloBind and Pro-Tech brands and are used in the commercial, business, educational, home office and governmental markets.