Compaq Appoints Middleton as VP, Worldwide Marketing and Communications

Business Wire, Feb 19, 1997

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 1997--As part of its goal to be one of the top three computer companies by 2000, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced the appointment of David B. Middleton to Vice President, Worldwide Marketing and Communications. Middleton, who reports directly to Dick Snyder, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Compaq's Worldwide Sales, Marketing, Service and Support Group, joins Compaq from IBM's PC Company, where he most recently served as Vice President, Worldwide Marketing and Fulfillment.

In this newly created position, Middleton will provide overall leadership to a recently established organization that is focused on global brand strategy and management, channel strategy and worldwide communications. He will be responsible for developing a global brand strategy, to be executed at the local geographic level, and working to create a channel strategy that enhances Compaq's current distribution model.

"David's international experience, leadership capabilities and record of success strengthen an already strong global organization," said Snyder. "He will be a catalyst in helping us achieve our leadership objectives - which include becoming one of the top three global computer companies by the year 2000 -- and a driving force in our new worldwide marketing initiatives."

Middleton brings to Compaq extensive international management, marketing and sales experience. At IBM PC Company, Middleton was responsible for Geography Product Marketing; Industry Segment Marketing; Emerging Geographies Marketing; and Worldwide Fulfillment. Before that he held the positions of General Manager, North America Sales and Service; General Manager, Latin America Sales and Service; and General Manager and President of the Ambra Computer Corporation. Prior to IBM, he spent eight years at NEC Technologies in a number of product marketing and management positions.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is the fifth largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers, delivering useful innovation through products that connect people with people and people with information. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq is strategically organized to meet the current and future needs of its customers, offering Internet and enterprise computing solutions, networking products, commercial PC products and consumer PCs. As the leader in distributed enterprise solutions, Compaq has shipped more than a million servers. In 1996, the company reported worldwide sales of $18.1 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products can be found at http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518.

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CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation

Mike Berman

281-514-0484

mberman@bangate.compaq.com

OR

Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Mike Deshaies

617-536-0470

mdeshaies@miller.shandwick.com