SAN RAFAEL, Calif. and BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2003--

Gao's In-Depth Knowledge of the Chinese Market and His Software

Industry Expertise Demonstrate Autodesk's Strong Commitment to China

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today the appointment of Dr. Jack Q. Gao as vice president, corporate strategy and business development for Autodesk China and regional director of the Autodesk Greater China region.

Based in Beijing, Gao will be responsible for Autodesk's Greater China operations, leading the marketing and sales teams, spearheading strategic initiatives for China, managing Autodesk(R) solution development centers, and maintaining relations with all government and public institutions. Leveraging his 15 years of industry experience in the United States and Asia, with a concentration in Mainland China markets, Gao will strengthen Autodesk's position in the Greater China region through his established network of government relationships.

"Gao is an excellent addition to our executive management team," said Carol Bartz, Autodesk chairman and CEO. "More importantly, we know him. He is a team leader who delivers an outstanding performance. We have confidence in his leadership abilities."

Tom Norring, Autodesk vice president of Asia Pacific, added, "Gao's appointment signifies a new chapter in our Greater China operations, as Autodesk evolves to the next level by having a locally based management team dedicated to capturing business growth opportunities and forming deep, strategic partnerships with the Chinese government, universities, and software developers. We are very excited to have Gao back with us again to direct the expansion of Autodesk's China and Greater China regional operations."

During his previous years with Autodesk, from 1995 through 1999, Gao successfully established Autodesk operations in Mainland China and in the Greater China region. In December 1999, he joined Microsoft as president and general manager of Microsoft China Co. Ltd. Gao was instrumental in forging strong relationships with the Chinese government, and grew business in China substantially during his tenure. In the past year, Gao was general partner and managing director of Walden International, a leading U.S. venture capital firm.

"The essential elements that will enhance China's worldwide competitiveness are starting to take shape," said Gao. "These include new government initiatives to protect intellectual property associated with information technology innovations in industry, the government's promotion of software industry developments, gradual adoption of WTO (World Trade Organization) regimens, government encouragement of entrepreneurs entering high-growth industry sectors, and an emerging sophistication in local software markets where established quality standards for products are gaining customer respect. These are some of the positive developments in the region that have encouraged Autodesk to expand operations in China as a long-term investment."

"I look forward to working closely with our Chinese partners and my colleagues throughout the world as we grow Autodesk's business in the most dynamic of all global marketplaces," Gao added.

Gao holds doctorate, master's, and bachelor's degrees in engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, (PRC).

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes.

Note to Editors: Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

    CONTACT: Autodesk
             Dawn Holstein, 415/507-6554
             dawn.holstein@autodesk.com

    SOURCE: Autodesk