Leitch announces the Appointment of Timothy Thorsteinson as President and CEO

TORONTO--Leitch Technology Corporation today announced that it hadcompleted its CEO search process and has appointed Timothy E.Thorsteinson as President and CEO. Mr. Thorsteinson will begin in therole effective November 24, 2003.

"We're delighted, after an extensive search, to announce theappointment of a candidate of the caliber of Tim," said David Chaikof,Chairman of Leitch Technology Corporation. "As a broadcast industryprofessional he brings the type of turnaround experience, industryknowledge and personal relationships we sought. We are excited that wecan now move forward to execute the plan to return Leitch to itshistorical levels of profitability."

Mr. Thorsteinson joined Leitch after leaving his position at ThomsonBroadcast and Media Solutions where he led the Broadcast product line.Formerly the president of the Video and Networking Division ofTektronix, Inc., he also ran the subsidiary company within thatDivision known as Grass Valley Group (GVG). During his tenure atTektronix, he executed the sale of the GVG business to a privateinvestor group. At that transition, Thorsteinson departed Tektronix tolead the Grass Valley Group company as its CEO and COO until itsacquisition by Thomson. In that position he led the team that returnedGrass Valley Group to profitability through focused cost reductions andgross margin improvements across the entire product line and increasedshare in the video server business. Grass Valley also regained thenumber one position in production switchers and gained significantshare in the router, modular and news product areas. At Thomson he ledthe integration of the Broadcast products of Thomson, Grass Valley, andPhillips and consolidated widely dispersed R&D efforts.

"The opportunity to join Leitch and continue the process oftransformation of this public company is really exciting," said Mr.Thorsteinson. "With the combination of great people, great products anda great brand Leitch is in a position to significantly improve itsfinancial performance. After living in California and Hong Kong, myfamily and I are looking forward to living in Canada where my familyhas deep roots."

Mr. Thorsteinson will be based in Toronto where he and his familywill be relocating. The Board also plans on welcoming Mr. Thorsteinsonto the Board of Directors when a vacancy occurs or at the Next AnnualGeneral Meeting.

About Leitch
Leitch Technology is a 32-year global leader in the design anddistribution of high-performance video systems for the professionaltelevision industry. Leitch offers the most extensible products andinteroperable systems, enabling operations of any size to achieve atruly Integrated Content Environment. Leitch is the most trusted namefor increasing performance and productivity through solutions thatstreamline workflow of content production, processing, transmission andmanagement. With a sole focus on and commitment to the televisionindustry, Leitch provides unparalleled customer support.