BD, which makes and sells medical devices, instrumented systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases.

Mr. Ludwig joined BD in 1979. His previous roles have included President, Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems; Vice President, Planning and Development; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Named President in May 1999 and Chief Executive Officer in January 2000, Mr. Ludwig was elected Chairman in February 2002.

Prior to joining BD, Mr. Ludwig served as a senior auditor with Coopers and Lybrand (now Pricewaterhouse Coopers) and as a financial and strategic analyst at Kidde, Inc.

Active in philanthropic efforts, Mr. Ludwig is a member of the Board of Trustees of the College of the Holy Cross. He also serves as a Johns Hopkins University Trustee and chairs the Advisory Board for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is also a trustee of the Hackensack (NJ) University Medical Center. Mr. Ludwig is Chairman of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), the world's largest medical technology association. In the corporate arena, Mr. Ludwig was appointed to Aetna's Board of Directors in July 2003 and chairs the Audit Committee.

Mr. Ludwig graduated from The College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Economics and Accounting and received his M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia University. He is also a C.P.A.