REDMOND, WA--(Marketwire - Mar 1, 2012) - Data I/O Corporation (NASDAQ: [ DAIO ]), (the "Company"), the leading provider of manual and automated device programming systems, today announced that it is implementing a CEO succession plan after Frederick R. Hume, the company's President and CEO, advised the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") that he plans to retire on or before the end of the fiscal year on December 31, 2012, or at such time as a suitable successor President and Chief Executive Officer can be identified by the Company's Board. His resignation as a member of the Board of Directors will be effective at such time. The Board, with the assistance of Korn Ferry, an executive search firm, will begin the process of contacting and evaluating external and internal candidates. Mr. Hume, 69, will remain in his present positions pending the appointment of his successor as President and Chief Executive Officer.

About Data I/O Corporation
Celebrating 40 years of expertise in delivering intellectual property to programmable devices, Data I/O offers complete, integrated manufacturing solutions in wireless, automotive, programming center, semiconductor, and industrial control market segments for OEM, ODM, EMS and semiconductor companies. Data I/O is the leader in programming and provides hardware and software solutions for turn-key programming and device testing services, as well as in-system (on-board), in-line (right before use at the SMT line), or in-socket (off-line) programming. These solutions are scalable for small, medium and large volume applications with different device mixes. Data I/O Corporation has headquarters in Redmond, Wash., with sales and services worldwide. For further information, visit the company's website at [ http://www.dataio.com ].