Release Details

METAIRIE, La., March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR), a leading provider of integrated fluids management, environmental and oilfield services to the exploration and production industry, today announced that its Board of Directors has chosen to separate the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Effective immediately, David P. Hunt, a seven-year member of Newpark's Board of Directors, will assume the duties of the Chairman of the Board. Hunt joined Newpark as a director in 1995 following a 32-year career at CNG Producing Company where he retired as President and Chief Executive Officer. James D. Cole, who formerly served as Newpark's Chairman, continues in his role as the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Newpark's Board of Directors consists of eight members, with six considered as outsiders in accordance to the rules promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange.

About Newpark Resources, Inc.

Newpark Resources, Inc. is a provider of drilling fluids, environmental waste treatment solutions, and temporary work sites and access roads for oilfield and other commercial markets.

     For further information contact:
     Matthew W. Hardey
     Vice President of Finance
     (504) 838-8222

The foregoing discussion contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause future events and results to differ materially from those anticipated by management in the forward-looking statements included in this press release. For further information regarding these and other factors, risks and uncertainties affecting Newpark, reference is made to the risk factors set forth in the Prospectus included in Newpark's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on May 8, 2002 (File No. 333-87840), and to the section entitled "Forward Looking Statements" on page 17 of that Prospectus. In particular, as described on page 9 of that Prospectus, any material decline in the level of oil and gas exploration and production activity could result in fewer opportunities being available for the service industry in general and Newpark in particular, and may adversely affect the demand for our services. In addition, as described on page 13 of that Prospectus, any rescission or relaxation of governmental regulations, including in the discharge regulations recently implemented, could reduce the demand for Newpark's services and reduce Newpark's revenues and income. You are strongly urged to review these sections for a more detailed discussion of these risks and uncertainties. Newpark's SEC filings can be obtained at no charge at www.sec.gov, as well as through our Website, www.newpark.com.

SOURCE  Newpark Resources, Inc.
    -0-                             03/28/2005
    /CONTACT:  Matthew W. Hardey, Vice President of Finance of Newpark
Resources, Inc., +1-504-838-8222/
    /Web site:  http://www.newpark.com /
    (NR)

CO:  Newpark Resources, Inc.
ST:  Louisiana
IN:  OIL ENV
SU:  PER

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7247 03/28/2005 18:44 EST http://www.prnewswire.com