Mountain View, CA -- Silicon Graphics, Inc. today announced that Richard E.Belluzzo has been named chairman and chief executive officer, succeeding Edward R. McCracken who had previously announced his intention to step down. Belluzzo, 44, had been executive vice president and general manager of the Computer Organization of the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Company. In this position, he was responsible for all of HP's computer products (printers, plotters, scanners and personal computers), computer systems (workstations, larger computer systems and consulting) and its software and services group (formerly the worldwide customer support operation). These businesses have combined annual revenues in excess of $35 billion. Belluzzo has spent his entire 22-year career at HP in a wide variety of key management, marketing and strategic planning positions. "As one of the key architects of HP's success, Rick Belluzzo is a proven leader in the computer industry," said James A. McDivitt, a Silicon Graphics board member who led the search. "His more than 20 years of big-league technology management experience, strong operating and marketing skills, in-depth knowledge of the computer business, and relationships with key executives throughout the industry make Rick an outstanding choice to build on Silicon Graphics' technology leadership." "Silicon Graphics is an exciting company in a rapidly growing industry," said Belluzzo. "The company is well-positioned with superb technology, a respected brand, powerful capabilities in visualization and high-performance computing, a strong product line soon to span Windows NT as well as UNIX, a large installed customer base and talented employees. I am delighted to have this unique opportunity and I'm confident I can provide the leadership to help Silicon Graphics improve its performance and achieve its extraordinary potential in the years ahead." "With Silicon Graphics poised to take its core strengths into much larger markets, Rick's experience and leadership will be a significant asset," said McCracken. "I'm pleased that he's decided to join the company and am optimistic that the future holds great opportunity for Silicon Graphics." McCracken has agreed to continue to serve as a consultant through June 30, 1998. Prior to his most recent responsibilities for HP's computer systems, personal computer and printer businesses, Belluzzo was vice president of the Computer Products Organization from 1993 to 1995, and vice president and general manager of the Ink-Jet Products Group from 1991 to 1993. From 1987 to 1990, he served as General Manager of the Boise Printer Division. In this position he led the development and implementation of strategies that resulted in the unprecedented market success of the LaserJet printer family, which currently commands a 60% market share.
SILICON GRAPHICS NAMES RICHARD BELLUZZO CHAIRMAN AND CEO
January 23, 1998