Mar 11, 2003
Guidant Appoints Dana G. Mead, Jr. President, Vascular Intervention

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that Dana G. Mead, Jr., currently vice president, Corporate Relations and Policy, has been named president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation, effective immediately. Mead replaces John M. Capek, who for personal reasons has accepted a position leading a new business venture affiliated with Guidant.

"With more than a decade of exceptional operational and business achievement within Guidant, Dana immediately brings a wealth of experience that will be critical to this important position," commented Ronald W. Dollens, president and CEO. "He was instrumental in the success of our stent business, and significantly improved our results and operating capability while leading our efforts in Japan. Most recently, he has successfully integrated Guidant''s investor relations, corporate communications, corporate marketing and public policy initiatives. We look forward to his continued leadership and guidance as he assumes this strategically important role."

Since joining Guidant in 1992, Mead has held various positions of increasing responsibility including vice president and general manager, Guidant Cardiac & Vascular Surgery Group. In 1998, Mead was named vice president and general manager, Stents, Guidant Vascular Intervention Group, and, in 2000, was promoted to president, Japan, Asia/Pacific and became a member of Guidant''s Management Committee. He was named to his current position as vice president, Corporate Relations and Policy, last year.

Mead received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lafayette College and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 11,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life''s most threatening medical conditions. For more information visit www.guidant.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including its products and services, please visit the company''s newsroom at www.guidant.com/newsroom.