$2.8 billion W.R. Grace & Co., has announced the resignation of Paul Norris from its board of directors, a transition planned in 2009.

Norris joined Grace as president and chief executive officer in 1998 and was elected chairman of the board in 1999. He served as president until 2003, CEO until 2005, and remained a member of the board after relinquishing the chairman responsibility in 2008.

The Grace board has nine members, following Norris' resignation.