Jan. 29, 2002 – Hillsboro, OR – FEI Co. founder, Dr. Lynwood Swanson, has retired as chairman of the company and John Hodgson, the company’s CFO, is also leaving.

Vahe Sarkissian, FEI CEO and president, will take on Swanson’s position as chairman, and company Controller Steven Loughlin will act as CFO until a replacement for Hodgson can be hired.

The announcements were made as part of FEI’s quarterly reports, in which the company reported higher fourth-quarter cash earnings, posting $10.6 million, or 32 cents a share, compared with $10.4 million, or 35 cents, a year ago.

Swanson founded FEI Company in 1971 and held the chairman’s position from 1971 until 1984, and again since 1996. He will provide periodic counsel to technical teams at FEI. Sarkissian joined FEI as president and CEO in May 1997.

“We are indebted to Lyn Swanson for his more than 30 years of important contributions to FEI,” said Sarkissian. “As a noted leader in the scientific world, Lyn successfully grew the company from a small technology development operation into the large multinational company that it is today.”

“I am extremely pleased to see Vahe assume the role of chairman,” commented Swanson. “We are confident that his expanded stewardship will continue to guide the company through its growth and development of new markets that will benefit from FEI’s unique solutions for nanotechnology.”

In regards to the CFO’s departure, Sarkissian said “We wish Jack well and thank him for his many contributions during his tenure at FEI. Jack will continue to consult for the company for several months.”