Applied Biosystems president Michael Hunkapiller retires.

Foster City, CA 8/23/04--Michael Hunkapiller, Ph.D., Applera senior vice president and president of Applied Biosystems, has retired effective August 20. Catherine M. Burzik, Applera executive vice president and Applied Biosystems COO (see IBO 8/31/03), has been promoted to fill his position.

"The Company is indebted to Mike for his many pioneering contributions over the past two decades. He embodies the inventiveness that characterizes Applied Biosystems, and I speak on behalf of our entire team in thanking him for facilitating much of our success," said Applera CEO Tony L. White. "Cathy has done an excellent job of managing operations and leading a strategic and operational analysis of Applied Biosystems with a focus on strengthening operating performance and identifying future growth opportunities," he said.

Applied Biosystems (ABI) was widely identified with Dr. Hunkapiller, who had also guided the company's R&D. Ms. Burzik's promotion is consistent with her guidance of ABI's ongoing restructuring and strategy review. Dr. Hunkapiller's sudden departure suggests ABI is moving in a direction inconsistent with his perspective. He was a giant in this dynamic industry, who made unique technical and business contributions. He will be sorely missed.