Management Taps Successful Company Veteran Nacho Abia of Europe

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., Monday, May 2, 2011 -- Olympus, a precision technology leader whose global business lines include creating innovative digital cameras and audio products, has appointed Nacho Abia as president of Olympus Imaging America Inc., effective April 1. In this role, he is responsible for leading and expanding all business activities related to the performance of the company's award-winning consumer electronics product line, including digital cameras, professional and consumer interchangeable lens imaging systems as well as related underwater products and accessories, digital and microcassette recorders, digital media and binoculars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Abia reports directly to Shuichi Takayama, president of Olympus Imaging Corporation in Japan. Abia brings more than 11 years of success creating and managing new businesses and product lines for Olympus Europe.

Mark Gumz, president and CEO, Olympus Corporation of the Americas said, “Nacho has demonstrated leadership and outstanding performance within the European region and has a unique understanding of Olympus’ global business strategies. His connection to our company’s culture and his natural leadership skills made him a strong and obvious choice for this significant leadership position.”

Abia’s prior experience positions him well to successfully lead in his new role. Abia began his career with Olympus in 2001 as the managing director and CEO of Olympus España with responsibility for all Olympus businesses in Spain and Portugal. One of his most significant achievements was the successful integration of Olympus Spain and Olympus Portugal. He was promoted to managing director of the Consumer Products Division for Olympus Europa Holdings in 2008. Prior to joining Olympus, Abia was the South European marketing manager at Sony Europe’s Digital Imaging Division.

"I am honored by this appointment. Through this expanded role, and together with the leadership team and Olympus employees, I look forward to contributing to the success of the company by building on its core strengths to develop innovative products for consumers," said Abia.

A graduate of the Universidad Politecnica de Cataluyna (Barcelona, Spain) with a Masters Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Abia also holds a Masters in Business Administration from Barcelona Business Administration School. In addition to his corporate position, he also serves as a board member for Olympus Imaging Corporation of Japan and is chairman of the board for Olympus España S.A.

Mark Gumz, president and CEO of Olympus Corporation of the Americas, who previously oversaw Olympus Imaging America Inc., will take on additional responsibilities as executive managing officer of Olympus Corporation, Tokyo and as a member of the Global Management Office representing the Americas.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras

• Professional Digital Interchangeable Lens System Cameras

• Related Underwater Products and Accessories

• Digital and Microcassette Recorders

• Digital Media

• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

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