BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 12, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Helge Israelsen, CEO of Post Danmark, received the Industry Leadership Award at the 2005 World Mail Awards in Brussels on May 11. The award is sponsored by Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) and was presented by Luis A. Jimenez, the company's senior vice president and chief strategy officer.

In a videotaped message, Pitney Bowes Chairman and CEO Michael J. Critelli said, "We've been involved in the World Mail Awards since its inception and are very pleased to sponsor the Industry Leadership Award. This award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the success of our industry and helped shape the future of global postal systems."

Mr. Israelsen was recognized for guiding Post Danmark with consistent, sustained leadership over a ten-year period as chief executive officer. His accomplishments are in large part, responsible for Post Danmark recently receiving the Danish Quality Award for excellence and high quality of service. In addition, he serves as chairman of the board of directors of the International Post Corporation.

In accepting the award, Mr. Israelsen said, "Working for the Post is always challenging, never boring, because it is a business about people serving people."

An independent judging committee comprised of five distinguished individuals in the postal and mailing industry selected Mr. Israelsen. The judging committee included: Robert Campbell, Dean of Arts and professor of Political Science, Wilfred Laurier University; Ulf Dahlsten, former director general, Sweden Post; Edward Horgan, former associate postmaster general, United States Postal Service; Elmar Toime, former chief executive officer, New Zealand Post and the 2004 Industry Leadership Award winner; and 2003's winner of the Industry Leadership Award, Dr. Klaus Zumwinkel, chairman of the Board of Management, Deutsche Post AG.

The non-voting chair of the judging committee is David Treworgy, a partner in the postal industry sector of IBM Business Consulting Services. Mr. Treworgy facilitated the deliberations of the judging committee but did not participate in the voting process.

Two other finalists for the 2005 Industry Leadership Award were also recognized: Thomas Leavey, former director general, Universal Postal Union and John Potter, postmaster general and chief executive officer, United States Postal Service.

Pitney Bowes will also make a charitable donation or provide funding for an educational initiative of Mr. Israelsen's designation.

Pitney Bowes is the world's leading provider of integrated mail and document management systems, services and solutions. The $5.1 billion company helps organizations of all sizes efficiently and effectively manage their mission-critical mail and document flow in physical, digital and hybrid formats. Its solutions range from addressing software and metering systems to print stream management, electronic bill presentment and presort mail services. The company's 85 years of technological leadership have produced many major innovations in the mailing industry, and it is consistently on the Intellectual Property Owner's list of top U.S. patent holders. With approximately 35,000 employees worldwide, Pitney Bowes serves more than 2 million businesses through direct and dealer operations. More information about the company can be found at http://www.pb.com .

Contact: Marianne Fulgenzi

Pitney Bowes Inc.
              203-351-6974

SOURCE Pitney Bowes Inc.

Marianne Fulgenzi of Pitney Bowes Inc., +1-203-351-6974

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