John W. Conway Succeeds William J. Avery as CEO of Crown Cork & Seal

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Paris Bourse: CCK) announced today that John W. Conway assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding William J. Avery. As previously announced on November 14, 2000, the transition was to follow Mr. Avery's retirement from that position on January 5.

Mr. Conway, formerly President and Chief Operating Officer, has been with Crown Cork & Seal for 26 years, including his prior service with Continental Can Company. Mr. Conway has held numerous management positions, both in the United States and abroad. He joined the Company's Board of Directors in 1997 and was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 1998. He is a member of the Board of Directors of PPL Corporation and West Pharmaceutical Company, Inc., and a director of the Can Manufacturers Institute, having also served as its Chairman. Mr. Conway is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Columbia University Law School.

Mr. Avery, who has worked for the Company for over 41 years, will remain as Chairman of the Board, but has decided not to stand for reelection.

Crown Cork & Seal is the leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. World headquarters are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
SOURCE Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.
Web site: http: //www.crowncork.com
CONTACT: Timothy J. Donahue, Senior Vice President - Finance of Crown Cork & Seal, 215-698-5088