San Bruno, CA - November 21, 2006 - Cord Blood Registry® (CBR) today announced the appointment of David Zitlow as senior vice president of corporate communications, following the company's annual Board of Directors meeting. Zitlow joined CBR from GolinHarris, where he was the executive vice president and director of the healthcare practice.

Zitlow will be responsible for directing corporate reputation and positioning, media relations, advocacy relations, issues management, public policy and internal communications and will be a member of CBR's executive management team.

"Building and enhancing our reputation and relationships with all of our key stakeholders is a priority for CBR," said Tom Moore, chief executive officer, CBR. "Dave's broad communications experience combined with his understanding of our culture and knowledge of our industry makes him uniquely suited to lead this important function for our company."

Zitlow has extensive experience managing communications for both scientifically-complex businesses as well as consumer product brands. In addition to leading the healthcare practice at GolinHarris, he led many of the agency's largest accounts including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline. During his tenure, he helped double the size and scope of the practice.

Prior to GolinHarris, Zitlow held leadership positions at Manning, Selvage & Lee, where he directed communications programs for product launches, FDA regulatory reviews and product crises. In addition, he helped companies and brands assess their reputation and developed strategies for advancing their leadership positions in competitive markets.

Earlier in his career, Zitlow led entrepreneurial business initiatives for both McDonald's Corporation and Abbott Laboratories.

"I am excited by the opportunity to direct corporate communications for the leader in the cord blood banking industry," said Zitlow. "I'm joining an experienced executive management team that fundamentally believes communications and advocacy development are key drivers to business growth."

Zitlow holds a master's degree in Corporate Public Relations and Integrated Marketing from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish from DePauw University. He lives in Glenview, Ill. with his wife and two children.