RACINE, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2003--JohnsonDiversey, Inc. today announced a leadership change in its North America operation. North America President Venkatesh Kasturirangan has decided to pursue business opportunities outside of JohnsonDiversey, Inc. He will remain with the company until the end of the month.

Kasturirangan has been the president of JohnsonDiversey, Inc.'s North America operating company since the May 3, 2002, acquisition of the DiverseyLever business by the former S.C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc., which changed its name to JohnsonDiversey, Inc. Kasturirangan ran the North American business for DiverseyLever, then owned by Anglo-Dutch conglomerate Unilever, for about two years prior to the acquisition.

"When we were building our new JohnsonDiversey team, Venkatesh agreed to remain with the new company to ensure a strong transition," said JohnsonDiversey, Inc. President and CEO Greg Lawton. "I commend him for his leadership in getting the North America business off the ground and beginning the process of effectively integrating the two businesses."

Lawton said JohnsonDiversey, Inc. will be conducting a national search to determine the final candidate to lead the North America operation. In the meantime, Mr. Lawton is naming Tom Gartland, currently head of the company's Health and Hospitality group in North America, as the interim President. Gartland is a candidate for the permanent position.

JohnsonDiversey, Inc. is a leading global provider of commercial cleaning, sanitation and hygiene solutions, serving customers in the lodging, food service, retail, health care and food and beverage sectors as well as building service contractors.