"The Chief Medical Officer will be instrumental in helping advance our Healthcare strategy, as we are uniquely focused on the needs of patients and care providers throughout the care cycle," said Rusckowski. "With the global healthcare landscape changing rapidly and the challenges we face in today's market, this role has never been more important to our organization. Eric’s standing in the medical community and his impressive track record will help Philips further distinguish itself from competitors in the healthcare market."

Dr. Silfen joins Philips Healthcare from the Department of Biomedical Informatics Research at Philips Research North America in Briarcliff, N.Y., where he led the design, development, validation and evaluation of clinical decision support systems for biomedicine. Since joining Philips in 2006, he has worked closely with Philips research teams, academics and researchers in North America and Europe to focus on healthcare research in the areas of molecular medicine, computer-aided imaging, clinical systems and diagnostic evaluations.

Dr. Silfen is recognized for his career accomplishments and teaching experience, and has built a broad network in the global medical community. He is a renowned expert on the implementation of information technologies in the medical settings and has an extensive background in hospital and health plan clinical affairs, disease and care management programs, and clinical quality and performance improvement. Dr. Silfen has worked with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), a leading provider of healthcare services for more than 280 hospitals and outpatient centers in the United States and England. He is also a member of numerous professional societies, including the Society for Critical Care Medicine, the Society for Medical Decision Making, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, the American College of Medical Quality and The New York Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Silfen has extensive clinical, academic, and administrative experience. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. In addition, he has held a broad range of medical and administrative posts, including chief medical officer for St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Port Jefferson, N.Y.; chief medical officer and director of Emergency Services for the Reston Hospital Center, Reston, Va.; and medical director for Emergency Medical Services, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, Dulles Airport, Washington, D.C.

Dr. Silfen holds a master of science degree in health administration from Medical College of Virginia, and a master of arts degree in biomedical informatics from Columbia University in New York.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 128,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $42 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.