Dutkowsky Background

Mr. Dutkowsky, 45, joins GenRad from EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) where he was President of Data General, a $1 billion independent division that delivers centralized and simplified computing solutions to its customers. EMC is the world's leading provider of enterprise storage systems, software and services.

Mr. Dutkowsky joined EMC in 1997 as executive vice president, markets and channels for EMC, responsible for a worldwide sales organization that delivered nine consecutive quarters of record revenue and profit growth. During his tenure EMC grew its software business from $175 million to more than $800 million. He was also instrumental in the creation of EMC's worldwide marketing and advertising campaign based on "The EMC Effect," which documented and promoted the powerful impact of EMC Enterprise Storage.

He was also responsible for EMC's global marketing, enterprise alliances, customer service, and professional services organizations.

Prior to EMC, Mr. Dutkowsky held several senior level positions at IBM, including vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for IBM's RS/6000 business. He managed a multi-billion dollar revenue stream and the acclaimed IBM marketing campaign highlighting the chess match between world champion Garry Kasparov and Deep Blue, an IBM RS/6000.

"We are all very gratified to have attracted someone with Bob's top-tier marketing expertise and operating background," said Bill Scheerer, a member of GenRad's Board and head of the board's search committee. "With his customer focus and vision, Bob is ideally suited to lead the GenRad team, and turn our vision of becoming a truly customer-driven technology company into reality."

"GenRad is clearly positioned for growth. It has a blue-chip customer base, solid technology, a deep and talented work force, and strong operations. The opportunity to focus these superior attributes into a world-class customer-driven organization is one I welcome," said Mr. Dutkowsky.

Lyons Departure

"Jim Lyons played a critical role at a critical time for our company, and we all appreciate the efforts he made in leading GenRad into profitability and setting an industry-defining strategic direction." said Mr. Scheerer.

In order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, Mr. Lyons will remain with the company in a consulting capacity. The company said that any charges associated with the change of leadership would be incurred in the second quarter.

Conference Call Today

The company will hold an investor conference call today (Tuesday, April 11) at 9:00 AM EDT.

GenRad Background

GenRad, Inc. provides electronics OEMs and their customers with the hardware, software and services to increase productivity by optimizing product design, manufacturing and after-market service. GenRad, headquartered in Westford, MA, offers products and services through three business units: Advanced Diagnostic Solutions (ADS), Electronic Manufacturing Solutions (EMS), and GR Software (GRS). GenRad's web site address is http://www.genrad.com.

GenRad’s most current shareholder information is available by visiting our Website at http://www.genrad.com or calling our Fax on Demand Service at (800) 469-1261.

Statements made in this press release which are not historical, including statements regarding future performance, product capabilities and markets are forward looking statements and as such are subject to a number of risks. Factors that may cause results to differ materially from those projected are discussed in GenRad’s 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year.