STERIS Corporation Appoints John P. Wareham as Chairman of the Board of Directors

MENTOR, Ohio -- STERIS Corporation today announced that its board of directors has appointed John P. Wareham as chairman of the board.  Wareham succeeds Dr. Jerry E.

Robertson, chairman since 2000, who will remain as a director of the board until his retirement at the company's annual meeting of shareholders on July

29, 2005.

Wareham joined STERIS's board of directors in 2000.  He recently retired as chairman, president and CEO of Beckman Coulter, Inc., a leading manufacturer of biomedical testing instrument systems, tests and supplies that simplify and automate laboratory processes.  Wareham also serves as a member of the board of directors of Resmed, Inc., and Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc.

"Jack has been a strong contributor to the STERIS board and we welcome his

appointment as chairman," said Les C. Vinney, STERIS's president and CEO.  "He is an experienced leader who brings a unique perspective on our industry from his many years at Beckman Coulter.  I personally look forward to further benefiting from his experience and leadership in this expanded role.  I would also like to thank Jerry Robertson

for his many contributions during his tenure on the STERIS board, particularly

in his role as chairman during a period of considerable change and expansion

at STERIS.  I will miss his valuable counsel."

Robertson has served as a member of STERIS's board since 1994 and has

played a crucial role in the growth of the company.  During his tenure as

chairman of the board, he led the company as it transitioned through a

strengthening of the management team, restructuring of operations and its

positioning for future growth.  The company's improved performance during his

time as chairman resulted in a considerable increase in shareholder value.

Robertson worked at 3M for more than 30 years including 10 years as

executive vice president, Life Sciences Sector.  He also served four years on

3M's board of directors prior to retiring from the company.

Source: STERIS Corporation