Feb 3, 2003
Guidant Appoints Nicky Spaulding President of European Operations

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT) announced today that Nicky Spaulding currently president, Cardiac Surgery, Guidant, has been named president, Guidant Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, effective immediately. In this new role, Spaulding will relocate to Guidant''s European headquarters in Brussels. He succeeds Guido J. Neels, who was recently promoted to group chairman, Office of the President, Guidant Corporation.

"Under Nicky''s leadership, Guidant has made significant progress in enhancing our competitive advantage in the cardiac surgery marketplace," said Ronald W. Dollens, president and CEO, Guidant. "We look forward to his continued contributions in this strategically important role."

As president of European Operations, Spaulding will continue to serve on the Guidant Management Committee.

Spaulding joined Guidant in 1994 as a senior R&D engineer. One year later, he was promoted to director, Atherectomy and Accessories. In 1997, he was named director, stent research and development. In 1999, he was promoted to vice president of Guidant''s Compass group, the company''s business and development and merger and acquisition arm. Spaulding was named president of Guidant''s Cardiac Surgery business in 2000 and was appointed to the Guidant Management Committee in January 2002. Prior to joining Guidant, Spaulding served in engineering and research positions within the medical technology industry.

Spaulding holds a Masters of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from the University of Miami.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for a better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 10,000 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.