GE Healthcare combines Eastern & African growth markets; appoints Richard di Benedetto as President

• Eastern & African Growth Markets (EAGM) region combined into single international GE Healthcare operation
• Richard di Benedetto appointed President and CEO, GE Healthcare International EAGM region
• GE Healthcare driving transformation of healthcare delivery

The EAGM pole has been created to support four large, self-sufficient regions - the Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Central Asia, and Russia & CIS Countries.

Richard di Benedetto has been appointed President and CEO of GE Healthcare International - EAGM region. This new operation will significantly focus and accelerate GE's growth in equipment and services markets in that region. The EAGM region accounted for more than US$600 million in revenue in 2007, and with this new structure in place, it is expected to double GE Healthcare International revenue to US$1.2 billion by 2010.

"I am thrilled to be leading the team driving this accelerated growth engine in Eastern and Africa growth markets to significantly advance GE's localization efforts and help transform healthcare delivery across this region," said Richard di Benedetto. "My team's goal is to reinforce GE's continued commitment to providing world-class healthcare solutions to the region, and proactively identify new areas where we can make a difference. One of the focal points will be research and development (R&D), based on regional requirements. Our aim is to build customized in-country solutions to accelerate response time in addressing local customers needs."

"We can accomplish this by collaborating with local universities and engineering companies as well as partnering with local healthcare providers. Our mutual goal will be to design and develop innovative solutions that will be a true local fit for our customers," added di Benedetto.

Richard started his career at GE in 1995, first working in the Financial Services division of GE Medical Systems (now GE Healthcare) as Financing Manager for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, then promoted to Finance Manager of this region. In 1998 he was appointed Managing Director of the newly created Healthcare Financial Services, a joint venture between GE Medical Systems and GE Capital with the main objective to develop GE Capital's
portfolio in the healthcare market.

In 2000, Richard relocated to Hungary to be General Manager of GE Medical Systems Eastern European Operations responsible for Sales & Service for Central Europe and the former states of the Russian Federation. During his assignment, GE Medical Systems (now GE Healthcare) became the leader in the field of diagnostic imaging in this region.

In July 2003, Richard was promoted to Vice-President Sales of GE Healthcare Technologies Europe, Middle East and Africa. Since his appointment, sales have grown double digit and continue to hold a leading position in the European market, reflective of the company's innovative and world-class advanced technological solutions.

In commenting on the new organizational structure, di Benedetto said, "As we continue to explore ways to grow GE Healthcare, there are three driving factors behind the new EAGM operation within GE Healthcare International. This strategic operation enables us to leverage common qualities and local capabilities, reinforcing a one-face-to-the-customer 'One GE Healthcare' approach. Moreover it will simplify the organizational structure and promote streamlined decision-making."

"While this is an exciting change, it remains seamless to the customer. Focusing on this new region continues moving us forward in our globalization efforts, as we look beyond traditional country and region borders to leverage synergies among international markets, " added di Benedetto.