General Hugh Shelton Elected to Red Hat Board of Directors

RALEIGH, NC—April 30, 2003—Red Hat, Inc. (Nasdaq:RHAT), the world's premier open source and Linux provider, today announced that, General H. Hugh Shelton, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and counsel to the President, has joined Red Hat's board of directors.

"As a representative for Red Hat shareholders we are pleased to have an individual whose values and integrity have won the respect of millions of people around the world," said Matthew Szulik, Red Hat Chairman and CEO. "We are honored to have General Shelton join the Red Hat board of directors."

"Red Hat's distinction is the sincerity of its management team and high standards they've set for themselves to lead responsibly," said General Shelton. "Red Hat's executive team has had tremendous vision and I have great enthusiasm to join the board of directors of this global technological leader."

A native of Tarboro, North Carolina, General Shelton received a Bachelor's Degree in Textiles from North Carolina State University. General Sheton holds a Master's Degree from Auburn University, has attended Harvard University, the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College.

General Shelton became the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on October 1, 1997, and served two 2-year terms. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, U.S. forces were in heavy demand and participated in numerous joint operations around the globe.

General Shelton received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award conferred by the United States Congress. Among his other numerous military awards are four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart. He has been decorated by 15 foreign governments. Civilian awards include North Carolina's highest Award for Public Service, and the Eisenhower Award from the Business Executives for National Security.

About Red Hat, Inc.
Red Hat is the world's premier open source and Linux provider. Red Hat is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices worldwide. Please visit Red Hat on the Web at www.redhat.com.

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