Rochester, N.Y., Aug. 30, 2004 - Gilbert J. Hatch, president of Xerox Corporation's Production Systems Group and a leader in the graphic communications industry, passed away on Aug. 26 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. "Gil was a pillar of strength, a passionate voice of optimism, someone who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Xerox and our customers," said Anne Mulcahy, Xerox chairman and CEO. "He was the epitome of all the good things about Xerox and we will all miss him terribly." During a 35-year career with Xerox, Hatch held a number of senior technical and general management positions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In recent years, Hatch led both the Office Systems Group and the Production Systems Group. In his last position, he had worldwide responsibility for high-end monochrome and color systems for the production publishing and transaction printing markets, including the DocuTech, DocuPrint, DocuColor, and Nuvera product lines. He was instrumental in the advancement of breakthrough digital printing technologies and spearheaded the development of Xerox's FreeFlow Digital Workflow Collection. "Gil was not only a great Xerox leader, but also a great industry leader and friend," said Ursula Burns, president Xerox Operations Group. "He was a true customer champion, a technology innovator, and a strong advocate of industry standards and partnerships - leaving a legacy that will endure into the future of graphic communications." Hatch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1972 and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1980, both from the Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology. He was a member of the Rochester Institute of Technology board of trustees and of the Monroe Community College Foundation, as chair of its fund raising committee. He also was a member of the board of directors of CEDPA, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering women in global leadership. Hatch holds three patents in xerography and digital imaging. Hatch was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on December 6, 1949 and was first diagnosed with cancer in July of 2000. He is survived by his wife Bernice, their three children, and two grandchildren.