Plantronics Announces New Addition to the Board of Directors

Business Wire, Jan 5, 1999

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 1999--The Board of Directors of Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE:PLT) today announced that Ken Kannappan, President and Chief Executive Officer, has been elected to the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately, increasing the number of Directors of the Company from seven to eight.

Approximately 4 years ago Mr. Kannappan joined Plantronics and over this time period has held a number of executive management positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer since March 1998. On November 11, 1998 the Company announced his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 4, 1999.

"Speaking on behalf of the entire Board, we are very pleased Ken has become a member of the Board and look forward to his contributions. His perspective has been valuable in the past and will clearly be essential as he now assumes the CEO role," commented Bob Cecil, Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Kannappan stated, "I see a terrific long term opportunity for continued growth in headset adoption in the office, mobile, and residential market segments and will work to ensure that Plantronics maintains its leadership in the call center market segment."

About Plantronics

Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as a world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with more than 1,500 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide.

Plantronics headsets are also used widely in many Fortune 500 corporations and have been featured in numerous motion pictures and high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong's historic "One small step for man" transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics, Inc. headquartered in Santa Cruz, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 17 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the Company and its products can be found at www.plantronics.com or by calling (800) 544-4660.

Mr. Kannappan's remarks quoted above are forward looking statements that are subject to material risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected by Mr. Kannappan for a number of reasons, including slower than anticipated growth in the headset market, failure of Plantronics to participate significantly in growth that may occur and actions by competitors, including the introduction by them of new products.