CENTER VALLEY, Pa., (Sept. 4, 2007) - Olympus, a precision technology leader creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products, h as appointed Michael J. Hunter as Vice President of Marketing for Olympus Imaging America Inc., the company that manages Olympus' award-winning Imaging products business for consumer and professional markets throughout North and South America. In this role, he will lead all marketing activity for the company's consumer electronics product line, including digital cameras, professional digital SLR (single lens reflex) imaging systems as well as related underwater products and accessories, digital and microcassette recorders, digital media and binoculars.

Hunter, who joined Olympus on August 13, will report directly to Katsuhiko Inadomi, Senior Vice President, Olympus Imaging America Inc. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across multiple product lines and channels of distribution, including 15 years of global and domestic consumer marketing at Whirlpool, Eastman Kodak and Campbell Soup.

"Olympus is an innovative, market-driven company that puts our customers at the center of everything we do while delivering leading-edge products of exceptional quality. At the same time, we are committed to brand stewardship to enhance the value and reputation of our global brand, which is nearly 90 years old and stronger than ever. Michael Hunter's experience will be instrumental in positioning and extending the Olympus brand in the consumer marketplace to capitalize on opportunities to grow revenue and profit, as well as customer loyalty and satisfaction," said F. Mark Gumz, President.

"I'm delighted to be joining Olympus, and I look forward to working with the team in taking this well known, global brand to even greater heights," Hunter said.

At Olympus, Hunter, 39, will focus on introducing new products, driving innovative marketing concepts, increasing sales of existing lines, and promoting and managing the Olympus brand with professional photographers, consumers and retailers in the highly competitive point-and-shoot consumer marketplace as well as in the fast-growing digital SLR arena.

Further, he will lead efforts to communicate Olympus' rich brand story to various constituents to help differentiate Olympus in the marketplace. He will work cross-functionally within the company in the U.S. and globally to ensure consistency in the execution of various marketing plans and the sharing of knowledge and techniques across businesses and geographic markets. Hunter will oversee all marketing, advertising, public relations, and Web communications initiatives for the complete product line of Olympus Imaging America.

Hunter's prior experience positions him well to successfully lead in his new role. He joins Olympus from Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI, where he was most recently the Marketing Director for the flagship brand of Whirlpool, the number one U.S. home appliance maker. Previously, he was the U.S. Brand Director for KitchenAid, responsible for brand strategy, new products, and the profit and loss (P&L) for the refrigeration products business.

Prior to Whirlpool, Hunter spent a number of years at the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY. From 2003-2004, he served as the Global Marketing Director for New Product Innovation, and led global marketing for point-and-shoot digital cameras. Highlights include fast-tracking the launch of a digital picture sharing device, and simplifying the company's digital cameras naming scheme. From 2002-2003 he served as the Global Marketing Director - Films, Kodak's largest, flagship business, where he led development of strategy, new products, branding, positioning, packaging, public relations and web content for a business with annual revenue of more than $2 billion across 230 countries. Prior to that he served as Marketing Director, Kodak Professional Photographer Products (1999-2002), and as Marketing Manager for Kodak Professional (1997-1999) during which he led the U.S. and global launches for PORTRA color negative films.

From 1992-1997, Hunter held positions of increasing responsibility with the Campbell Soup Company Ltd. in Toronto, Canada, rising to Brand Manager for V8 Vegetable Juice in 1996-1997. In this role, he managed the P&L and all facets of the business including strategy development and promotions, growing profits by 130 percent to an all-time high. He also served as Brand Manager for New Business Development (1995-1996), gained valuable sales experience as an Account Specialist (1994-1995), and was Assistant Brand Manager for Campbell 's Chunky and condensed soups from 1992-1994.

At the Swiss Bank Corporation in Toronto, Hunter served as a Corporate Analyst from 1990-1991 where he analyzed the financial and overall strengths of client corporations, including some of the world's most well known brands. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Western Ontario.

About Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products. Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
• Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
• Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents;
• Digital cameras and voice recorders.