Philips Oral Healthcare Invests in Leading Clinical Talent with Appointment of Dr. Arthur Hefti.

Business Editors

SNOQUALMIE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2004

As Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Hefti's Expertise

Supports and Expands the Company's Dedication to Clinical Research

Philips Oral Healthcare (POHC), a division of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG) and makers of the Sonicare(R) the sonic toothbrush, today announced that it has fortified its commitment to cutting-edge clinical research with the appointment of Dr. Arthur Hefti -- well known as an Associate Dean and Professor at Ohio State University (OSU) -- to the position of Vice President of Clinical Affairs. Dr. Hefti's appointment directly supports POHC's strategy to remain at the forefront of clinical research.

"Philips Oral Healthcare has been a scientifically oriented company since the beginning, as demonstrated by its innovative product lines, advanced research facilities, published and ongoing dental research and dedication to the dental professional community," said Conrad Smits, president and chief executive officer of Philips Oral Healthcare. "The addition of such a well-respected industry thought leader helps cement the future and direction of the company. Dr. Hefti's talent and expertise will ensure that we continue to lead the market in the key area of clinical research."

As Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Hefti will bring his expertise in the field of caries and periodontal disease prevention and in designing and conducting innovative clinical trials to advance and further innovate POHC's product line. With more than 25 years' experience as the principal or co-investigator in prominent industry research, Dr. Hefti brings leadership and focused management to the group.

"Philips Oral Healthcare stands out as an innovative clinical leader in the oral care field," said Dr. Hefti. "I have been familiar with the company for many years, but after seeing the energy and drive behind the scenes and meeting the full business team, I decided that Philips was the right place for me to continue advancing the field."

Dr. Hefti is currently the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Dentistry and a tenured Professor in the Section of Department of Periodontology at Ohio State University (Columbus, OH), one of the leading dental schools in the country. He is also the chair of the biomedical Institutional Review Board at OSU.

As a member of the POHC Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Hefti has already been providing input and counsel to the Company for several years. The Scientific Advisory Board is a group of top scientific and clinical minds providing advice and recommendations on POHC clinical research and programs. Dr. Hefti's experience in this role will now be leveraged into a full-time position at POHC.

"Dr. Hefti's understanding and full support of Philips Oral Healthcare as a company -- its business objectives, its clinical research and its people -- were key reasons for his selection," added Smits. "Dr. Hefti's appointment supports Philips' renewed focus on dental professionals."

Prior to working at OSU, Dr. Hefti held positions as professor in the Department of Periodontology and director of the Periodontal Disease Research Center at the University of Florida College of Dentistry; as associate professor and director of the Section of Preventive Dentistry and Epidemiology at the University of Basle Dental Institute in Switzerland; and, at the University of Zurich Dental Institute in Switzerland as research fellow in the Department of Oral Microbiology and General Immunology and research scientist in the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Cariology and Periodontology.

Dr. Hefti is a member of numerous prestigious professional organizations, including the American Dental Education Association, American Statistical Association, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association for Dental Research, and Society of Clinical Research Associates. In addition to sitting on the editorial board of Odontology, Dr. Hefti has published more than 65 peer-reviewed articles and 25 book chapters and educational articles. He has also been an advisor or member on more than 30 thesis and dissertation committees and regularly reviews articles for several leading research journals.

Dr. Hefti received his dental degree and doctorate at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and the Venia Legendi, with an emphasis on preventive dentistry, at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

For information on Sonicare, dental professionals and patients may call 1-800-676-7664 or visit www.sonicare.com.

About Philips Oral Healthcare

Philips Oral Healthcare is a business unit of Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care (DAP), a division of Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG). Philips DAP manufactures and markets shavers and women's beauty and health care products, as well as domestic appliances around the world. It enjoys the number one global position in electric shavers with the Philips shave and Norelco brands; the number one brand in steam irons and it is the second largest global player in dental care products under the Sensiflex and Sonicare brands. Philips also offers a range of kitchen appliances exclusively through Target.

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $30.1 billion (EUR 31.8 billion) in 2002. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, and one-chip TV products. Its 166,500 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, semiconductors, and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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