Hercules Chemical Inc.'s chairman of the board of directors, Jay Fidler, will retire April 30 after 57 years of company service.

Fidler began his career in the Hercules lower Manhattan office and factory in 1946. In 1956 he became national sales manager, and Hercules president in 1962.

He has remained active in the company, and will "be keeping an eye on all the wonderful people who have made his 57-year experience such a joy."