Michael Racioppi Named HIDA Chairman of the Board
Henry Schein Medical Group President Will Oversee Health Industry Distributors Association for One-Year Term
MELVILLE, N.Y.--Oct. 31, 2003--Michael Racioppi, Medical Group President of Henry Schein, Inc., has been elected and installed as the 2004 Chairman of the Board for the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA). Mr. Racioppi assumed the post at the HIDA 2003 MedSurg Conference and Expo, which was held in Baltimore, Md. early in October.
"I am extremely pleased to have been selected for this position of responsibility within the medical products distribution industry," said Mr. Racioppi as he began his one-year term. "To treat their patients, physicians and other healthcare professionals in the United States and around the world rely on efficient and accurate order fulfillment from our members. We take this role seriously within HIDA, and our members are continually looking for ways that we can be of even greater value to the medical community. I look forward to leading my colleagues in this ambitious effort. "
Before assuming this position, Mr. Racioppi served as Chairman-elect for HIDA for one year, and HIDA officials said they are looking forward to working with him again.
"Mike Racioppi's strategic vision is to focus HIDA on providing new levels of value to member companies," said Matt Rowan, President and CEO of the Health Industry Distributors Association. "Mike's drive, commitment and leadership will ensure a lasting, positive impact from his year as Chairman."
Mr. Racioppi has been President of the Henry Schein Medical Group since 2000. Prior to holding his current position, he was Vice President of the Company since 1994, with primary responsibility for the Medical Division, the Marketing and Merchandising Groups. Mr. Racioppi served as Vice President and as Senior Director, Corporate Merchandising from 1992 to 1994. Before joining Henry Schein, he was Vice President of Purchasing and Marketing at Ketchum Distributors, Inc.
"I've been privileged to work with Mike for 11 years, and I know that HIDA will benefit from his leadership," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Henry Schein. "It is a time of tremendous opportunity within the medical products distribution industry. Mike has the experience and the vision to make the most of these opportunities for the benefit of all HIDA members, and is the ideal person to lead the association at this important time."About HIDA
The Health Industry Distributors Association is the national trade association representing medical products distributors. HIDA members serve the nation's hospital, imaging, long-term care, and physician/alternate care markets. HIDA provides products and services to enhance the business performance of member companies. Products and services include industry advocacy and representation to Congress and federal agencies, business tools and resources, educational programs, and the premier industry event, the HIDA MedSurg Conference and Expo.
About Henry Schein
Henry Schein, Inc. is the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. Recognized for its excellent customer service and low prices, the Company serves more than 400,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions. The Company operates its four business groups--Dental, Medical, International and Technology--through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 125 countries with a comprehensive selection of over 90,000 national and Henry Schein private-brand products. Henry Schein also offers a wide range of innovative value-added practice solutions, including such leading practice management software systems as DENTRIX(R) and Easy Dental(R) for dental practices, and AVImark(R) for veterinary clinics, which are installed in over 50,000 practices; and ArubA(R), Henry Schein's electronic catalog and ordering system.
Headquartered in Melville, New York, Henry Schein employs over 7,000 people in 16 countries. The Company's 2002 sales reached a record $2.8 billion. For more information, visit the Henry Schein Website at www.henryschein.com.
CONTACT: Henry Schein, Inc.
Susan Vassallo, 631-843-5562
Manager, Investor and
Public Relations
svassa@henryschein.com