GenRad executive and British national Kenneth Harris will take charge of GenRad's worldwide sales efforts and will establish his base of operations in the UK, a move that recognizes the growing significance of GenRad's global markets. Mr. Harris succeeds John Downing, who was based in the US and is leaving the company.

Today, more than half of GenRad's business is derived from customers operating outside of North America. During the last two years, GenRad's business in those markets has grown at a rate approaching 20 percent.

"Ken Harris has a strong record of sales achievement and the ability to execute tactically while managing to longer-term strategic goals," said Robert M. Dutkowsky, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the new GenRad. "Additionally, since many of our largest customers have operations across the globe, it is imperative that the leader of our sales team bring a global perspective to his responsibilities. Ken's skills and background fit these requirements perfectly."

Dutkowsky, who was appointed by the Board of Directors in April, is implementing a sweeping corporate refocusing, authorized by the board and designed to align the company's hardware, software and services units with the way its Internet-era customers do business.

Harris brings a strong customer focus to GenRad's field organization. During his 21 years with GenRad, Harris has emphasized delivering electronics manufacturing solutions among capital equipment and software companies. Geographically, his operations have been centered in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

During his early GenRad experience, Harris leveraged his electronics engineering training in the areas of design, quality, production and testing. In 1986 Harris was named Managing Director for the company in the UK, a role that allowed him to expand his technical skills in sales and marketing. In 1990, he was promoted to Director of Sales in Europe, and in 1993 he was named Vice President for Europe and Director of European Operations.

"The expanded operational and geographic responsibilities Ken is assuming will significantly help us accelerate our refocusing of GenRad as an aggressive global enterprise, one committed to its' customers and to delivering predictable and sustainable growth," Dutkowsky said.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] develops, manufactures and markets advanced performance-assurance technologies. GenRad's primary global markets for OEM and contract manufacturers include computers, advanced telecommunications for e-commerce and Internet services and diagnostic systems for the transportation/automotive industry.

GenRad is comprised of three business units bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and uninterruptable business applications:

Process Solutions: focuses on in-circuit and x-ray test solutions as well as plant and line management solutions for electronic product manufacturers.

Functional Solutions: focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.

Diagnostic Solutions: focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs 1,600 people and maintains worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.