SAN DIEGO -- Science Applications International Corporation's (SAIC) Board of Directors approved a chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) succession process proposed by its founder, chairman and CEO, Dr. J. Robert Beyster, 78, at a Board meeting held on Monday, April 7, 2003. The succession process provides for a smooth and orderly transition to a new chairman and CEO. Pursuant to this process, the Board of Directors has established a Search Committee chaired by A. Thomas Young, the former president and chief operating officer of Martin Marietta Corporation. "The recruiting process is now underway and the Search Committee will evaluate internal and external candidates," said Young. Dr. Beyster will serve as CEO until February, 2004, unless a new CEO is elected by the Board before then. Dr. Beyster's current term on the Board expires in July 2004, and he will remain chairman until a new chairman is selected by the Board. "SAIC has just completed its 34th year of successful operations," said Beyster. "The company's steady growth, $2.2 billion cash position, and an impressive $8.4 billion in new contract awards positions our future to be as bright as our past." "Our employee-owners will continue to provide solutions to nationally important problems in both the public and private sectors. My number one priority is to work with our Board and employee-owners to provide for a smooth transition to a new chairman and CEO. Given the strength of our company, I have every expectation that SAIC's legacy of growth and significant contributions to our customers will continue under a new CEO's leadership."