EL SEGUNDO, CA. May 1999 - International Rectifier Corporation (IRF/NYSE) announced today its change to a new organizational structure with a single Chief Executive Officer, Alex Lidow. Derek Lidow, who served as co-Chief Executive Officer, will leave the company effective June 15 and will continue to serve International Rectifier as a member of the Board of Directors and in a consulting capacity as he pursues other professional interests.

Exiting CEO Derek Lidow noted, "The co-CEO structure played a key role in executing a successful transition, through periods of unprecedented demand, volatile market conditions, intense competition, and rapidly evolving technology. IR is well positioned, with an excellent strategy and exciting new products in an improving marketplace. The Board of Directors, Alex, and I all feel a single-CEO structure helps IR to achieve its long-range objectives."

Jack Vance, speaking for the Board of Directors, said, "Derek Lidow has been a major contributor to every facet of the company over his 22-year career, including successfully re-positioning the company for the future. His unique vision, strategies, and leadership contributed greatly to the company's premier position in the industry and its ability to outperform in even the toughest market conditions. We have secured Derek's ongoing contribution and support of IR in a consulting relationship, which we considered an essential for the company."

Alex Lidow joined International Rectifier in 1977. Advancing through a variety of technical, manufacturing, and operations positions, he was named Chief Executive Officer in 1995. A co-inventor of the HEXFET® power MOSFET, he holds nine patents on power semiconductor technology. He earned a B.S. degree in Applied Physics from California Institute of Technology in 1975 and received a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University as a Hertz Foundation Fellow. Alex Lidow serves on the Board of Overseers for the RAND Corporation and on the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology.

Derek Lidow joined International Rectifier in 1977. Advancing through a variety of sales, marketing, and operations positions, he was named Chief Executive Officer in 1995. He received a B.S.E. degree summa cum laude in electrical engineering from Princeton University in 1973 and attended Stanford University as a Hertz Foundation Fellow, earning a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at age 22. Derek Lidow serves as a member of the Leadership Council of the School of Engineering of Princeton University and is a Trustee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

International Rectifier is a major worldwide supplier of power semiconductors, which convert electrical energy to operate power supplies, motor drives, and lighting ballasts. Its patented HEXFETR power MOSFETs and IGBTs make IR the world leader in field effect transistors. The Company's technological advances improve the performance and energy efficiency of electronic and electrical equipment in automotive, consumer, computer/peripheral, industrial, lighting, telecom, and government/space applications.

Company contact: Shelley Wagers, 310.726.8512.