NISKAYUNA, NY, October 17, 2005 -- Mark M. Little, 52, has been named Director of GE Global Research, the centralized research organization of General Electric. Little becomes the ninth director of the organization that was founded in 1900 and was the first industrial lab in the United States. He succeeds Scott C. Donnelly, who left in July to become president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines.

Little comes from GE Energy's power generation business in Schenectady, where he has served as Vice President since 1997. Little has been with GE for 27 years.

"Mark Little is an outstanding leader with a proven track record and the deep technical background needed to head the Research Center," Chairman and CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt said. "Now, more than ever, GE's growth depends upon our ability to innovate and bring new and better products to market. I know Mark will provide the leadership that is needed to keep GE at the forefront of innovative technology.
Immelt added, "We're placing big bets in major areas such as sustainable energy, biotechnology and nanotechnology to help fuel the future growth of the company, and the Research organization is the epicenter of where these investments come to life."

Mark M. Little said, "GE Global Research has been the engine driving innovation and growth for GE's businesses for more than a century. Coming from the energy business, I have a firsthand appreciation for how new technologies are impacting and transforming markets. I will work hard every day to continue in the great tradition of my predecessors and keep GE at the forefront of technology leadership."

Michael Idelchik, who has been serving as interim director since July, will return to his role as vice president of Advanced Technologies for GE Global Research. In this role, he oversees the company's longest range, highest impact research endeavors. With major programs in nanotechnology, energy conversion, molecular imaging and diagnostics, advanced propulsion, organic electronics and sustainable energy, the Advanced Technology office represents significant investments in emerging technologies that will drive the next generation of products for all GE businesses.

Little, an engineer, will head up R&D facilities in Niskayuna, New York; Bangalore, India; Shanghai, China; and Munich, Germany. Research areas include biotechnology and molecular medicine.

Visit GE Global Research at www.research.ge.com.

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