A Medical Device Daily

PerkinElmer (Waltham, Massachusetts) CEO/chairman Gregory Summe, and the board of directors, reported a succession plan that they said will continue the company’s growth.

In the initial step, Robert Friel will become president/COO of the company effective Aug. 1. It is expected that he will then be elected CEO in February 2008. At the time Friel assumes the CEO role, Summe will become executive chairman of the board, and remain as such through the annual shareholders meeting in April 2009.

“This appointment is an important step in the succession plan that was put in place with the board of directors over the last several years,” said Summe. “The plan is consistent with my desire to transition from the role of CEO in 2008, after leading the company for 10 years. During these years, I have had the privilege to guide the company through its transformation from EG&G, a diversified government contractor to PerkinElmer, a global technology leader in health sciences and photonics.

“I am very proud of what the organization has accomplished in building an industry leadership position. This is a good time for a succession; I believe the company is in terrific shape with accelerating growth, strong profitability, and an experienced and talented leadership team.”

Friel, who joined the company in 1999 as CFO, was appointed vice chairman, director of the company, and president of the life and analytical sciences (LAS) business in 2006. Summe joined PerkinElmer in January 1998 as president/COO and director of the company, and became CEO in January 1999.