Terje Knutsen appointed Head of Yara Downstream

(Oslo, 10 April 2015) Yara International ASA has appointed Terje Knutsen as Head of Downstream. He succeeds Egil Hogna, who has submitted his resignation. Knutsen will assume his new position on 1 May 2015. Yara's Downstream business unit manages the company's global sales, marketing and distribution of fertilizers.

Terje Knutsen currently heads Yara's business unit for Downstream activities in North & East Europe. Prior to this, he was Head of Business Unit Asia. Aged 52, Knutsen holds a Master's degree in economics and business administration from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). Since joining the company in 1987, he has had an extensive international career, working twelve years outside Norway. Knutsen will be part of Yara's executive management team and report to the President and CEO.

"Terje Knutsen has extensive experience from Yara, ranging from heading business units abroad to managerial positions at the headquarters. His competence will be highly valuable as Yara continues its efforts to support a more efficient and climate-smart agricultural sector," said Torgeir Kvidal, acting CEO of Yara International.

Egil Hogna joined the company in 1999, and  has been a member of Yara's executive management team since August 2008, first as Chief Financial Officer, and thereafter as Head of Downstream since August 2009. Hogna will be employed by Yara until July 31, 2015.

"I have concluded that the timing is right to seek new challenges, and I look forward to exploring potential opportunities. My tenure in Downstream and Yara has been exciting, and I am particularly proud of our increased efforts and results within safety, marketing and innovation, and the significant acquisitions and company integrations we have carried out, especially in Latin America," said Egil Hogna.

Egil Hogna has been a valuable member of the management team, and I regret that he is leaving. I am grateful for the good and close cooperation we have had during the years and wish him continued success," said Torgeir Kvidal.

For further information, please contact:

Esben Tuman, Head of Corporate Communications
Cellular: (+47) 90 50 84 00
E-mail: esben.tuman@yara.com

Anders Lerstad, Head of Investor Relations
Telephone: (+47) 24 15 72 95
Cellular: (+47) 93 42 69 54
E-mail: anders.lerstad@yara.com

Photos of Terje Knutsen: https://yaraurl.com/32l8

Photos of Egil Hogna: https://yaraurl.com/wtmb

About Yara
Yara's knowledge, products and solutions grow farmers' and industrial customers' businesses profitably and responsibly, while nurturing and protecting the earth's resources, food and environment. Our fertilizers, crop nutrition programs and technologies increase yields, improve product quality and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices. Our industrial and environmental solutions improve air quality by reducing emissions from industry and transportation, and serve as key ingredients in the production of a wide range of goods.  We foster a culture that promotes the safety of our employees, contractors and societies. Founded in 1905 to solve emerging famine in Europe, today, Yara has a worldwide presence, with more than 12,000 employees and sales to more than 150 countries.