Scottsdale, Ariz., January 31, 2005 -- The Dial Corporation, a subsidiary of Henkel KGaA, based in Dusseldorf, Germany, today announced that Herbert M. Baum, president and chief executive officer, plans to retire from his position. He will continue as president and CEO until his successor is named. The board has established a search committee to find his successor.

Baum is credited as the driving force behind the turnaround of the business as well as the ultimate sale to Henkel, a sale that preserved Dial's Scottsdale headquarters, manufacturing locations and employee base. During Baum's five years at the helm, the company went from earnings per share of $.36 in 2000, to earnings of $1.29 per share in 2003. The stock price for this time period went from approximately $10.00 to the acquisition price of $28.75.

"Since joining Dial as CEO in August of 2000, I focused the company's management team on the basics of what needed to be done to stabilize and fix the business," said Baum. "I've worked with my team to turn the company around and ensure that it is positioned for the future. That goal became a reality when Henkel acquired Dial in 2004."

"While my time with Dial has been extraordinarily rewarding, it has also been all consuming," continued Baum. "A successful integration is now underway and this is an excellent opportunity for me to focus on future goals."

"Herb Baum has made major contributions to the consumer products industry during his career and to Dial since he joined it in 2000," said Ulrich Lehner, Chairman of the Management Board of Henkel KGaA. "His vision and leadership have grown the company, whose brands are among the leaders in the markets in which they compete. I enjoy working closely with Herb and know how important it is to find the right leader to follow him."

Baum joined Dial in 2000, after having held executive positions at Campbell Soup Company, Quaker State Corp, and Hasbro, Inc. Baum also is a Director on the Boards of Directors of PepsiAmericas, Meredith Corporation, America West Airlines, Playtex Products Inc. and Action Performance Companies.

The Dial Corporation, a subsidiary of the Henkel Group/Germany, is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is one of America's leading manufacturers of consumer products, including Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, Renuzit® air fresheners and Armour® Star canned meats. Dial products have been in the American marketplace for more than 100 years. For more information about The Dial Corporation, visit the company's Web site at www.dialcorp.com. Henkel is a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. The Henkel Group operates in three strategic business areas - Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesives, Sealants, and Surface Treatments. More than 50,000 employees work for the Henkel Group worldwide. People in 126 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel. For more information on Henkel, visit the company's Web site at www.henkel.us.