SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – August 18, 2003 – Topica Inc. today announced the promotion of Carter Hostelley, formerly Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at Topica, to the post of Chief Executive Officer. Hostelley succeeds Anna Zornosa who is leaving for a senior management position at Knight Ridder Digital. Hostelley’s appointment is effective immediately.

Hostelley came to Topica in 2000 with over ten years of experience in senior management, finance, business development, and international operations. Prior to Topica, Carter was Vice President of International Development at SmartAge where he led efforts establishing a Japanese joint venture with Softbank and also set up operations in France and the U.K. Carter also served as Vice President of Finance at SmartAge and was responsible for raising over $50 million in venture-capital financing rounds. His experience includes work in business development at Ziff Davis, commercial lending at Wells Fargo Bank, and financial analysis at Salomon Smith Barney. Carter holds a B.B.A. degree from the University of Hawaii and an M.B.A. from Cornell University.

“We are extremely pleased and very fortunate to have someone of Carter’s proven track record on board,” said Topica Board member Maurizio Caio, who is Founder and Managing Partner of TLcom Capital Partners. “His expertise and skills as a manager will be of enormous help in defining the future success of Topica. We’re convinced that under Carter’s leadership, Topica’s market leadership will only grow.”

Speaking of the contributions of Zornosa, he said, “The board and employees extend a heartfelt thanks to Anna Zornosa for her work in transforming the company during her tenure and putting the company on sure ground for growth and success.”

In commenting on the announcement, Ariel Poler, Chairman of the Board and Co-founder of Topica, said: “Since joining Topica, Carter has been a crucial player in the growth and direction of the company. His promotion reflects the confidence the board has in his energy, intellect and vision.”

“I am extremely enthusiastic by the opportunity to lead the next phase of Topica’s growth,” said Hostelley. “I look forward to working with our Board and employees in furthering our expansion and in meeting the needs of customers.”

Over the last two years Topica has become a successful supplier of business services, attracting thousands of paying customers such as IBM Corp., The National Geographic Society, eHobbies, Inc. and Hachette Publications. A provider of email publishing and marketing solutions, Topica has impressively grown its customer base and revenues, and has achieved a true leadership position in the industry.

About Topica, Inc.
Topica, Inc., San Francisco, CA., is the leading provider of Web-based marketing solutions. Founded in 1998, the company serves over 4,000 customers, including The National Geographic Society, International Data Group (IDG), IBM, Corp. and Hachette Publications. Firmly committed to permission-based email, Topica is a member of TrustE, the Email Services Provider Coalition of the NAI (National Advertising Initiative), and a member of the Internet Alliance. For more information on the company, please visit www.topica.com.