TRW Board of Directors Elects David M. Cote Chairman

    CLEVELAND--July 25, 2001--The TRW Inc. Directors today elected David M. Cote, 49, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of the $17 billion technology and automotive components corporation. The appointment is effective July 31, 2001.
    Mr. Cote, who has been serving as the corporation's chief executive officer since February 1, 2001, succeeds Joseph T. Gorman. As previously announced, Mr. Gorman will resign his position as Chairman of the Board effective July 31.
    "I view this opportunity with great excitement and optimism," said Mr. Cote. "TRW has technological depth and experience, unparalleled systems engineering capabilities, and excellent employees. These attributes provide a solid foundation for long-term, sustainable growth. We are going to be a company that differentiates with technology and performance for our customers and investors." Mr. Cote also noted that his top priority remains reduction of the company's debt.
    "TRW has remarkable businesses and products serving a variety of global markets," Mr. Cote added. "We make the world's fastest semiconductor chip, and our new venture, Velocium, is commercializing this technology. Our satellite, laser, and systems engineering businesses are well positioned as defense spending worldwide moves inexorably to a focus on technology and information. The automotive operations offer global automakers integrated products that improve safety and keep costs down, while TRW's aeronautical products are being used in the world's newest and most sophisticated aircraft. TRW businesses have terrific growth prospects given trends in their industries."
    Mr. Cote became TRW's president and chief executive officer in February 2001. Previously he was president and chief operating officer since joining the company in November 1999, when he also was named a director. He joined TRW after 25 years with General Electric, which included top-level positions in manufacturing, finance, marketing, strategic planning, and general management.