AMI Semiconductor Appoints John Kent to Serve as Vice President of Technology Research and Development

IBM Veteran Responsible for Worldwide Technology Roadmap and Product Integration

Pocatello, Idaho - May 17, 2004 - AMI Semiconductor (NASDAQ: AMIS), a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial sectors, today announced that John Kent has been appointed to serve as the company’s vice president of technology research and development.

Kent joins AMIS from IBM where he was the manager of ASIC and Array development for the company’s microelectronics division. In this role he was responsible for ASIC library, memory product design and test development, supervising the technical staff, and maintaining relations with blue-chip clients in Europe and Asia.

“John is well-versed in mixed-signal IC design, ASIC design and technology and will be a tremendous asset for AMIS,” stated Chris King, president and chief executive officer of AMIS. “We are pleased to have someone like John help us see the new possibilities for product development and semiconductor technologies. I am confident that his technical savvy and vision will help move AMIS engineering to a new level.”

During his tenure with IBM, Kent held a variety of technical and managerial positions within the company’s microelectronics division, exposing him to a wide range of semiconductor technologies and end-product applications. Additionally, he had several management roles in the company’s chip manufacturing facility where he gained an appreciation for plant operations, advanced process line technology and design processes.

In his new position with AMIS, Kent will be responsible for the company’s global semiconductor technology roadmap, encompassing all divisions from structured digital products to mixed-signal design and manufacturing. Kent will work closely with division heads on the development and integration of the company’s design and foundry groups. Additionally, Kent will oversee the definition of AMI Semiconductor's advanced technology investment strategy for deep-submicron CMOS and high-voltage technologies for leading-edge manufacturing capabilities.

Kent earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University, a master’s in project management from George Washington University and continuing education credits from the University of Vermont in electrical engineering. He is an associate member of IEEE and the American Society For Chemical Engineering, as well as a member of the Project Management Institute.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal products, mixed-signal foundry services and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.