MSC.Software, a leading global provider of Virtual Product Development (VPD) solutions, including simulation software and services, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed William J. Weyand, an experienced software industry executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He succeeds Frank Perna who will be retiring as CEO and Chairman. Mr. Weyand, who currently serves as a director of MSC.Software, has spent over 35 years in the technology industry in various sales, marketing, and CEO positions with companies providing software, systems and services on a global basis. Most notably, from 1997 to 2001, Mr. Weyand served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC), a NASDAQ-traded company at the time. Mr. Weyand led the evolution of that business from a technical CAD/CAE software provider to the leader in Enterprise Product Lifecycle Management (EPLM) solutions. Mr. Weyand left SDRC upon the completion of its sale to EDS for almost $1 billion in 2001. In 2003, Mr. Weyand served as Vice Chairman and CEO of Pavilion Technology, a venture funded ten-year-old worldwide software company and a leader in Advanced Process Control Solutions. Donald Glickman, Lead Director of MSC.Software's Board of Directors, said, "We are delighted that Bill has agreed to take on the role of CEO. He has a proven track record managing technology companies, including situations that have been in significant transition. He has directly relevant experience in the engineering software industry and has proven to be a great asset to the Board in his short time as a director. We are confident that Bill will continue to move this company forward operationally and will provide effective senior leadership in the ongoing efforts to put the non-operational issues behind us." "I'm honored to have been selected to replace Frank as he retires, am very pleased to be joining such an excellent company as MSC and excited to be back leading a major software company again," said Bill Weyand. "I'm looking forward to working with all our dedicated employees, partners and customers worldwide and to delivering increased value to our customers and stakeholders." Frank Perna and the Board of Directors had entered into discussions regarding succession planning and potential retirement in 2003. With the completion of the previously announced independent review by the Company's Audit Committee, Frank has decided to retire. Donald Glickman said, "We are grateful to Frank Perna for his contributions to the Company over the years and for his commitment to managing the Company through a very difficult period over the past 12 months. Frank's strategic direction has kept MSC.Software at the forefront of the industry and has positioned the Company for continued leadership and success in the Virtual Product Development marketplace."