The Executive Council of New York Adds Representatives from EDS and Ernst & Young to Board of Advisors
Appointment of Two Industry Leaders Brings Additional Depth and Vision to Regions Premier Business and Technology Executive Community
New York, NY—November 5, 2003

The Executive Council of New York—a non-profit association that fosters knowledge-sharing and networking among leading executives of the New York business and technology community—today announced the appointment of Raymond Kalustyan, Regional Vice President for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Roger Savell, Director of Emerging Markets for Ernst & Young to its board of advisors. The addition of these two respected area business leaders underscores The Executive Council's vision, mission and reach as it enters its fourth year of operation.

"The addition of Ray and Roger to our board of advisors is indicative of the continued support both they and their respective companies have given to our ongoing programs and services over the years," said Robert Johnston, president of The Executive Council. "Having both these respected industry minds more directly involved on an ongoing basis is a terrific fit for The Executive Council, its members and partners. We are indeed fortunate that they are willing to share with us their valuable time and expertise."

Kalustyan has over 20 years' general management and sales/marketing experience with various "blue chip" technology industry leaders. Joining EDS as a senior executive in 2001, Kalustyan turned an under performing regional division into one of the global company's leading producers—earning him the firm's highest honor, the "Inner Circle Award for 2002." In his current position, Kalustyan is responsible for all sales and business development among companies in the financial services industry operating along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida. Kalustyan is a graduate of Susquehanna University and received a master's in business from American University.

"Just as we at EDS are focused on a 'go to market' business model, The Executive Council offers an unparalleled opportunity for business leaders in the greater New York area to both share and learn from their hands-on experiences," said Kalustyan. "I look forward to helping this team continue to advance the cause of business leadership in New York."

Savell also enjoys some 20 years' business experience focused on growth-oriented companies at Ernst & Young. In addition to his hands-on experience with SEC reporting, mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings for client companies, Savell also serves as one of Ernst & Young's leading resources on key accounting/auditing issues, including revenue recognition, stock option accounting and corporate governance issues. As a senior partner, Savell is currently the leader of the firm's Metropolitan New York Emerging and Growth Markets Group, Venture Capital Advisory Group and director of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award Program. Savell is a certified public accountant and a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany.

"As a person whose business career has been devoted to helping emerging companies navigate the maze of financial accounting so that they might grow and prosper, I am pleased to be able to bring this same expertise to The Executive Council and its members," said Savell. "Through its programs and services, the Council has already recognized the importance of sound corporate governance. It is an honor for me to be able to help the organization expand on this and other key business issues to help foster business innovation and growth."

Kalustyan and Savell join the current board of advisors for The Executive Council, whose other members include: Chip Austin, Managing Principal, I-Hatch Ventures; Martin Cassidy, Director, Microsoft Corporation; Savio Chan, Managing Director, Invision, Inc.; Mark Hanny, Vice President, IBM; Robert Levitan, co-founder, Dotomi USA; Patricia Traynor, Vice President, AT&T.

About The Executive Council
Originally established as New York eComm, The Executive Council is a non-profit organization that brings together New York's business community for the purposes of fostering knowledge-sharing and business networking in a professional environment. The Executive Council programs focus on critical business and leadership issues at the intersection of technology and business, with unique industry programs focusing on venture capital, security, and corporate governance, among others. Its initiatives and corporate members contribute to the economic prosperity of the region while fostering knowledge and information sharing, professional development and partnership opportunities for our members. It also sponsors the "New York Ten Awards," which annually honors individuals whose leadership has significantly impacted business innovation in New York and beyond. The Executive Council Corporate Members range from AT&T, IBM and Microsoft to TimeWarner, Citibank, and Merrill Lynch as well as many other large and emerging growth technology and financial services companies and major law and accounting firms. www.execcouncil.org

Contact:

David Eldredge The Alliant Group New York 646-495-5402 deldredge@thealliantgroup.com

Bob Johnston Executive Council 646-742-4929 bobj@execcouncil.org