GOVERNMENT

PALO ALTO, CA -- HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced that John Hassell, former HP public affairs director, has been named head of the company's Washington, D.C., office and federal and state government affairs. Hassell replaces Phil Bond, who was appointed Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2001. In his new position, Hassell will manage HP's interactions with the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, the Bush administration, governors and federal offices. As director of HP's Washington office, he will work closely with various companies, associations and coalitions on high-tech public policy issues and political activities. "John will serve as a strong voice for HP and the entire high-tech industry in Washington," said Gary Fazzino, vice president, HP Government and Public Affairs. "He has 20 years of experience in the heavy manufacturing, defense, forest product and high-tech industries and the political savvy and public policy expertise to really make a difference." Prior to joining HP in January 2000, Hassell served as the northern regional public affairs manager for Simpson Investment Company, a forest and paper products company based in Seattle. Hassell was previously employed as California public affairs manager for FMC defense systems group and governmental affairs representative for Caterpillar, Inc. Hassell currently serves on the board of directors of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, the board of corporate fellows of the National Governors Association and the leadership council of the AIDS Research Institute of the University of California at San Francisco. A native of Newport News, Va., he is a graduate of the College of William and Mary. "Having worked with closely with Silicon Valley's executives and community leaders, I'm pleased to be representing HP in Washington," said Hassell. "I'm looking forward to partnering with Congress and the administration on technology issues ranging from e-commerce to the digital divide."