NEW YORK, NY, Westvaco Corporation (NYSE: W) today announced the election of four officers, including James A. Buzzard as an Executive Vice President. The other officer appointments include Linda V. Schreiner, Senior Vice President, Lennart K. Antell, Vice President, and Mark R. McMahon, Vice President. Mr. Buzzard, previously Senior Vice President, will retain direct responsibility for the company's Fine Papers and Envelope Divisions while adding oversight of Westvaco's Corporate Research and Engineering to his duties. Mr. Buzzard will also work closely with John A. Luke, Jr., Chairman and CEO, on matters related to the company's overall strategy, including packaging and chemical business operations. Mr. Buzzard will relocate from the company's office in Richmond, VA, to corporate offices scheduled to open later this year in Stamford, CT. "Jim brings broad experience and an excellent record of success built over 22 years with Westvaco working in corporate department and business unit leadership positions," said Mr. Luke. "His perspective on Westvaco's direction and prospects will be invaluable as we continue to implement strategic initiatives and expand in global markets." Ms. Schreiner will assume overall responsibility for Westvaco's Corporate Human Resources activities and continue to report to Mr. Luke. Since joining Westvaco a year ago as Manager, Strategic Leadership Development, Ms. Schreiner has been a key contributor in a wide range of strategy and organizational development initiatives. Ms. Schreiner will remain in Richmond, VA, but will also maintain an office in Stamford, CT. "Linda's important involvement in developing our strategic business plans and her exceptional organizational development skills make her uniquely qualified for her new role," said Mr. Luke. "Corporate Human Resources is now refocusing its activities following a recent review to assure alignment with the operating strategies of Westvaco's business units. It will benefit greatly from Linda's guidance." Mr. Antell has served as Manager, Corporate Engineering, since January 2000, and since that time has led the department's involvement in a wide range of important capital projects and support of managers responsible for recent acquisitions, including the company's bleached paperboard mill in Evadale, TX. Westvaco acquired the mill in December 1999. Mr. Antell will remain in Laurel, MD. Mr. McMahon has served as President and Managing Director of Rigesa, Ltda., Westvaco's Brazilian subsidiary, since 1998, guiding the business to strong performance as the result of strategic growth initiatives. Mr. McMahon will remain in Brazil. "Both Lennart and Mark have made substantial contributions to Westvaco in their current roles and their election as officers reflects the importance of their positions within our company," said Mr. Luke. Westvaco Corporation (www.westvaco.com), headquartered in New York, NY, is a major producer of packaging, paper and specialty chemicals. The company serves customers in more than 70 countries with operations in the United States, South America and Europe.