Highly Experienced Finance Leader to Assume Post August 1

PQ Corp., a leading manufacturer of specialty inorganic performance materials, high-end specialty catalysts, and specialty glass materials, has announced the appointment of Michael C. Crews as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 1. The appointment was made today by George J. Biltz, President and Chief Executive Officer of PQ Corp. Crews will replace the retiring Alan McIlroy, a 10-year PQ veteran.

“PQ is very pleased to have Mike join our team at this critical period as we build on the great foundation Alan has created,” said Biltz. “I am very confident that Mike’s experience and skills will be major assets in our efforts to continue PQ’s growth and meet the exciting challenge of taking the company to the next level.”

During the last seven years, Crews served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Peabody Energy Corp., headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. Peabody Energy is the world’s largest private sector coal company with $7 billion in revenues from mining and trading operations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Crews joined Peabody Energy in 1998 and his experience there included corporate accounting, financial reporting, tax and treasury, investor relations, corporate communications, and merger and acquisition activities. He was also involved in Peabody’s initial public offering (IPO). Among his previous responsibilities at Peabody Energy, Crews was Vice President - Operational Planning; Vice President – Planning, Analysis, and Performance Assessment; and Assistant Treasurer.

Crews was recently recognized as CFO of the Year by the St. Louis Business Journal and the Top Performing CFO by Metals+ Mining sell-side Analysts, Institutional Investor magazine. Prior to joining Peabody, Crews worked at KPMG and MEMC Electronic Materials.

Crews holds an accounting degree from the University of Missouri and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He received his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

To ensure a smooth transition, McIlroy has accepted, as of Aug. 1, the role of Senior Consultant and will assist Crews over an interim period.

About PQ Corp.

PQ is a global leader in providing customer solutions through its expertise, innovation, and manufacture of specialty inorganic performance materials, high-end specialty catalysts, and specialty glass materials. PQ is privately held by affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC, INEOS Capital, and management. The company is a leader in providing megatrend solutions through products designed to enhance sustainability and safety in a variety of end-use applications. PQ serves key industries including water treatment, chemical, petroleum, construction, personal care, and food and beverage. Other key business segments include detergent and pulp & paper, transportation safety, mining, polymer additives, metal finishing, and conductive particle markets.

Founded in 1831 and headquartered in Malvern, Pa., PQ has ensured that the values of its founders -- safety for employees and communities, integrity and fairness, diligence and service, learning and imagination--are still reflected in its contemporary corporate culture. The company believes that this culture and the strong spirit of teamwork it fosters are of immense benefit to customers, employees, suppliers, and communities alike.

For more information, visit www.pq.com.

Press Contact:J. GRANDE communications Inc.Joseph Grande, 413-684-2463joe@jgrandecommunications.com