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Oerlikon appoints Dr. Roland Fischer as Group CEO to accelerate execution of new strategic direction

Pfäffikon, Schwyz, Switzerland – March 1, 2016 – The Board of Directors of Oerlikon today announced that it has named Dr. Roland Fischer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Oerlikon Group, effective March 1, 2016. In line with the new strategic direction to build a global powerhouse in surface solutions and advanced materials, Oerlikon is mandating an experienced senior industry expert with broad expertise in the company’s key industries and markets to execute the strategy. Dr. Brice Koch will leave the company.

Dr. Roland Fischer previously held various senior executive positions in the energy and the aviation & aerospace business, including seven years at Siemens AG and 18 years at MTU Aero Engines AG. Most recently, he was CEO of the Power and Gas Division at Siemens AG – a business that generated EUR 13 billion of sales in 2014. Dr. Roland Fischer holds a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart, Germany and a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany.

Oerlikon’s Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. Michael Süss, said: “Roland Fischer brings in-depth expertise in engineering, operational leadership and a remarkable track record in building and growing businesses. His strong leadership skills and extensive experience in the aviation & aerospace and energy markets will be of great value to Oerlikon as we continue to implement our strategy. The Board of Directors is convinced that Roland brings with him the needed competence and qualities to lead the company into this important next phase. I would like to thank Brice Koch for his important contribution. He has led the Oerlikon Group through a phase of important transformations since joining in 2014. We sincerely thank Brice for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”

Dr. Roland Fischer said: “Oerlikon enjoys an excellent reputation in the industry, for its engineering, innovations and customer relationships. It has exceptional technologies, leading positions in key growth markets and a promising strategy. I look forward to leading Oerlikon into a new era and to working in a fascinating and future-oriented business.”

Change in the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Oerlikon announced that at its upcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM), taking place on April 5, 2016, it will be proposing to the shareholders to re-elect Gerhard Pegam, Prof. Dr. Michael Süss and Hans Ziegler. Dr. Mary Gresens, Mikhail Lifshitz and Johan van de Steen have decided not to stand for re-election. The Board of Directors thanks these Board Members for their valuable contributions to Oerlikon. The new candidates, who will be nominated for election to the Oerlikon Board of Directors, will be announced with the invitation to the AGM.

About Oerlikon

Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) is a leading global technology Group, with a clear strategy of becoming a global powerhouse in surface solutions, advanced materials and materials processing. The Group is committed to investing in value-bringing technologies that provide customers with lighter, more durable materials that are able to increase performance, improve efficiency and reduce the use of scarce resources. A Swiss company with over 100 years of tradition, Oerlikon has a global footprint of over 13 500 employees at more than 170 locations in 37 countries and sales of CHF 2.7 billion in 2015. The company invested CHF 103 million in R&D in 2015 and has over 1 350 specialists developing innovative and customer-oriented products and services.

Disclaimer:

OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon, (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as “Oerlikon”) has made great efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this document. However, Oerlikon makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this document. Neither Oerlikon nor any of its directors, officers, employees or advisors, nor any other person connected or otherwise associated with Oerlikon, shall have any liability whatsoever for loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of this document.

The contents of this document, including all statements made therein, is based on estimates, assumptions and other information currently available to the management of Oerlikon. This document contains certain statements related to the future business and financial performance or future events involving Oerlikon that may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by risks, influences and other factors, many of which are not foreseeable at present and/or are beyond Oerlikon’s control, so that the actual results, including Oerlikon’s financial results and operational results, may vary materially from and differ than those, expressly or implicitly, provided in the forward-looking statements, be they anticipated, expected or projected. Oerlikon does not give any assurance, representation or warranty, expressed or implied, that such forward-looking statements will be realized. Oerlikon is under no obligation to, and explicitly disclaims any obligation to, update or otherwise review its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This document, including any and all information contained therein, is not intended as, and may not be construed as, an offer or solicitation by Oerlikon for the purchase or disposal of, trading or any transaction in any Oerlikon securities. Investors must not rely on this information for investment decisions and are solely responsible for forming their own investment decisions.

For further information, please contact:

Thomas Schmidt

Head of Group Communications
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