AST names Joseph E. Norberg as chief financial officer.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 1996--AST Research Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTA) Thursday announced that Joseph E. Norberg will join the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer beginning May 6.

As CFO, Norberg will be responsible for leading AST's finance operations and overseeing the company's focus on developing and maintaining necessary financial disciplines to support growth objectives and the overall business plan.

Prior to joining AST, Norberg, 49, was CFO and treasurer for more than 10 years at Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc., a Boston-based advertising firm. Other positions he has held during his career include domestic and international controller positions at Wang Laboratories and audit manager at Ernst & Young.

"Joe brings a unique complement of business and finance skills to AST," said Ian Diery, AST president and chief executive officer. "As AST turns around, Joe's background in international finance, technology and experience in the advertising business fit well with AST's current needs."

"AST's strong heritage as a leading personal computer manufacturer, combined with Samsung's strategic investment, makes this a tremendous opportunity for me," said Norberg. "I look forward to the challenge of returning AST to profitability and contributing to the strong management team assembled to lead the company's resurgence."

AST Research, a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal computer manufacturers. The company develops a broad spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Corporate headquarters are located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone [phone] or 800/876-4278. Fax [phone].

CONTACT: AST Research Inc., Irvine

Emory Epperson (media), 714/727-7958

Misty Ohmart (analysts), 714/727-7728