Seagate Bill Walkins Named CEO of the Year

The Global Supply Chain Leaders Group (GSCLG) has named Bill Watkins, Chief Executive Officer of Seagate Technology ‘2008 CEO of the Year.’

The ‘CEO of the Year’ award is presented to the individual who received the highest aggregate ratings in leading, developing and maintaining sustainable, responsible business practices in its global operations.

Mr. Watkins’ key contributions include promoting and supporting socially responsible business practices, including taking on one of the planet’s most pressing problems — climate change — and investing in our next generation of engineers and scientists through educational partnerships and his board involvement with the United Negro College Fund. Watkins’ commitment to global citizenship is also evidenced by the Company’s adherence to the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (EICC) and its membership with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

"I am honored to receive this recognition from the GSCLG," said Bill Watkins. "As business leaders, I believe we all have a responsibility to develop and maintain sustainable, responsible practices in our local and global operations. This award acknowledges the efforts of the entire Seagate team and their continued commitment to building on the company’s enduring values, thereby enhancing our operations, the supply chain, the environment and our communities."

Watkins was appointed chief executive officer in 2004. Between June 2000 and July 2004, Watkins served as president and chief operating officer and was responsible for the company’s global hard disc drive operations. He was elected to Seagate’s board of directors in 2000. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the United Negro College Fund and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. He also serves on the executive advisory Council for IDEMA (the International Disk Drive Equipment and Materials Association) and the Executive Advisory Board of the Juran Center for Leadership in Quality.

The CEO of the Year Award recognizes industry leaders and companies that have made extraordinary contributions in the areas of responsible corporate citizenship, the combat against global warming, involvement in social causes, and helping America to create jobs in a globalized economy.

The 2008 CEO of the Year Award will be presented to Bill Watkins during a supply chain industry dinner in San Jose, CA, on June 5, 2008.

About GSCLG
The Global Supply Chain Leaders Group (GSCLG) serves the senior leaders of supply chain management in business, government, and industry on a worldwide basis. The organization is designed to respond to the unique needs of leaders who are increasingly responsible for the profitable growth and health of their respective organizations.