Air & Water Technologies Corporation names Robert B. Shen as chairman, president and chief executive officer.

BRANCHBURG, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 14, 1996 --Air & Water Technologies Corporation (AMEX: AWT) today named Robert B. Sheh as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Alain Houdaille, who served as Interim Chief Executive Officer following the death of Claudio Elia last April.

Educated as a civil engineer, Mr. Sheh most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of International Technology Corporation, where he successfully led a major restructuring program. He previously spent twenty-one years in senior management positions at Parsons, culminating as President of the Ralph M. Parsons Company, an international engineering and construction firm. During his tenure, Mr. Sheh consistently increased profitability while achieving significant growth, particularly in troubled parts of the business and in international areas.

Jean-Marie Messier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Generale des Eaux (CGE), AWT's largest shareholder, and until recently a member of the AWT Board of Directors, said: "Bob Sheh is a seasoned international executive with an outstanding track record leading major companies in the energy, natural resources, utility and environmental industries. We are pleased to welcome him aboard and look forward to his dynamic and forward-looking leadership at this time of dramatic change for both our company and our industry. With his experience and background, he will lead AWT into the 21st century as the one of the premier environmental services companies in the world."

Mr. Sheh, whose appointment is effective immediately, said: "I am proud to lead the management team of this outstanding company. Our widely recognized operating companies -- Professional Services Group, Metcalf & Eddy, and Research-Cottrell -- provide outstanding services and products which are utilized by millions of people throughout the world. I am committed to implementing a new strategy for profitable growth. On an immediate basis, my top priorities include strengthening the balance sheet, thereby increasing the financial strength of the company, and resolving any and all outstanding issues regarding Professional Services Group."

Mr. Sheh earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Harvey Mudd College and serves on the Civil Engineering Board of Advisors of Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.

In other Board actions, AWT announced the election of Chief Financial Officer Alain Brunais to its Board of Directors. Mr. Houdaille has resigned as Director to resume his full-time responsibilities at CGE in Paris, where he serves as Executive Vice President. Enrique F. Senior and Douglas M. Costle had previously resigned as Directors of AWT.

Air & Water Technologies, through its subsidiaries, provides a comprehensive range of services and technologies for the operation, maintenance and management of water and wastewater systems; engineering, design and construction of water and wastewater facilities; the remediation of contaminated soil; and services and technologies for controlling air pollution. More than 3,500 employees at over 150 locations worldwide assist municipalities, government agencies, industries and electric utilities in meeting their environmental challenges.

CONTACT: Air & Water Technologies

Robert S. Volland, 908/685-4496