Apr 23, 1999
Dollens Named to Worth's List of 50 Best CEOs in America

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT) today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Dollens has been named one of the "50 Best CEOs" in America by Worth Magazine.

The article, which appears in the May issue of Worth, lists 50 CEOs who "shine for what they have accomplished and stand the best chance of excelling well into the future." Nominations for the honor were submitted by 100 Wall Street analysts based on criteria such as the CEO''s commitment to the business (as measured by capital spending, research and development and marketing expenses), company performance, short-term and long-term prospects, and social responsibility.

Dollens ranked 43rd on the list. Worth noted that during Dollens'' tenure, the company''s market value increased from $1 billion to $20 billion and it was recognized as the third-best performer in the Standard & Poor''s 500 Stock Index. Worth lists Dollens'' "strategic thinking" and "on-time execution" as keys to Guidant''s success, as well his emphasis on investing heavily in research and development. Piper Jaffray analyst David Gruber agrees: "If Dollens says he''s going to do it, he''ll do it - and even ahead of schedule."

"I am extremely honored to be included on the Worth 50 list," said Dollens. "Guidant''s team of exceptional individuals is committed to save and improve the lives of millions of patients around the world. It is our goal to become the number one medical device company in all areas of our business."

The May issue of Worth is expected to be on newsstands beginning this week.

A global leader in the medical device industry, Guidant provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products and services for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease. For more information about Guidant''s products and services, visit the company''s Web site at http://www.guidant.com.