Applied Materials Promotes Franz Janker to Executive Vice President

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2004--Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) announced today that Franz Janker has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Janker will continue to manage the sales and marketing functions of the company including all of the sales account teams and regional operations of Applied Materials worldwide.

"Franz's executive leadership has been a key component of the success of Applied Materials and this promotion reflects the importance of aligning our growth strategy with our customers' future needs," said Mike Splinter, president and CEO of Applied Materials. "His long-standing relationships with the world's top semiconductor manufacturers, coupled with his intimate knowledge of our products, make him the ideal leader to extend our broad portfolio through the customer-focused global account teams he helped develop."

Janker has been with Applied Materials for more than 20 years. He has held many positions since joining as a sales manager for Central Europe. As his job scope has grown over the years, Janker has delivered global marketing programs and implemented key initiatives which have contributed to the company's growth and have earned recognition for Applied Materials as a key supplier and partner.

"I am confident that Franz will continue to keep our teams focused on improving customer satisfaction in every region," Splinter concluded.

Applied Materials, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the largest supplier of equipment and services to the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials' web site is www.appliedmaterials.com.