PerkinElmer has appointed the company's president and chief executive officer, Robert Friel, to the additional role of chairman of the board of directors. The appointment of Friel to chairman is part of PerkinElmer's 2007 leadership succession plan designed to support the company's growth strategy and provide strong leadership continuity. Friel succeeds Gregory Summe, chairman since 1999.
'Rob's leadership and deep understanding of PerkinElmer's businesses, organisation and entrepreneurial culture makes him ideally suited to lead the company going forward,' said Summe.
Friel joined PerkinElmer in 1999 as chief financial officer and was appointed vice chairman and president of the company's Life and Analytical Sciences business in 2006. In 2007, Friel was appointed president and chief operating officer of the company. He succeeded Summe as chief executive officer in 2008.
