News

Kyocera Names New President for U.S.-Based Semiconductor Package Unit

David Grooms steps down as president of Kyocera America, Inc. and Kyocera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.; Robert Whisler, sales/marketing V.P., to become president of both companies

SAN DIEGO, CA -- September 26, 2000 -- Kyocera International, Inc. (“KII”) today announced that it has accepted, as of September 29, 2000, the resignation of David Grooms, who had served as president of two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kyocera America, Inc. (“KAI”) of San Diego and Kyocera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. (“KMX”) of Tijuana, Mexico.

Replacing Mr. Grooms in both capacities effective September 30, 2000 will be Robert Whisler, a 19-year veteran of the company, who has served most recently as KAI’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

“Kyocera thanks David Grooms for the growth and success he helped bring to our North American group,” stated KII President Rodney N. Lanthorne. “We extend best wishes for David in his future endeavors. At the same time, we have full confidence in Bob Whisler’s leadership to continue the expansion of our business. We do not foresee any major changes in strategic direction due to this transition."

Mr. Whisler, who joined Kyocera in 1981, will focus on further developing Kyocera’s semiconductor package business in the fast-growing fields of telecommunications and data processing.

Kyocera America, Inc. designs, manufactures and assembles a broad range of electronic packaging solutions for the telecommunications and semiconductor markets based on advanced ceramic and organic material technologies. The company's products and services support many applications including broadband telecommunications, mobile and satellite communications, surveillance systems, sensors, automotive electronics, medical devices, computers and consumer electronic goods.

Kyocera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. supplies assembly and manufacturing services to KAI and other Kyocera group companies.

Kyocera International, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation, is Kyocera’s North American headquarters and holding company.

Kyocera Corporation, parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers and solar energy systems. During the year ended March 31, 2000, the company’s net sales totaled 812 billion yen ($7.9 billion) with net income of 50 billion yen ($489 million). Kyocera has been recognized by IndustryWeek magazine as one of “The World’s 100 Best-Managed Companies.”