May 19, 2008 -- Raydiance Inc. (Petaluma, CA), developer of compact, cost-effective and fully software-controlled ultrashort pulse (USP) laser systems, has appointed industry veteran Mel Engle as its new Chief Executive Officer. Engle succeeds company founder Barry Schuler, who is now Executive Chairman of the Board.
Raydiance launched its first product last year, an easy-to-use USP platform that has spurred applications research and development in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. The FDA is testing the Raydiance laser platform in efforts to destroy malignant cancer cells, and commercial partners are developing new applications for dermatology, ophthalmology, and more.
Prior to joining Raydiance, Engle was President and CEO of the Merck KGaA subsidiary Dey LP, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of products for respiratory, allergy and other breathing disorders. Engle was instrumental in transforming Dey's business strategy from the development of commodity generics into branded products, which resulted in five consecutive years of growth with an increase in sales from $250 million in 2002 to over $600 million in 2007.
"After four successful years of developing our USP laser platform, bringing the technology to market and establishing a solid client base, we are very excited that Mel is joining Raydiance to lead us through our next phase of growth," said Mr. Schuler. "Mel is a consummate operating executive with a very strong track record of rapidly scaling up new companies. His experience will be instrumental in growing our infrastructure, supporting more product development and expanding our customer and employee base. I am delighted to be teaming with Mel and look forward to a successful future working together."
"Raydiance not only has developed a truly revolutionary technology platform that promises to disrupt countless industries, but also is experiencing a very exciting and substantive period of growth," said Mr. Engle. "Given the intense interest in Raydiance's USP laser platform and the company's rapid expansion over the past year, I'm highly confident in our prospects for continued growth and success in the coming years. I look forward to working with Raydiance's impressive leadership team, board of directors and talented employees to continue Barry's vision of bringing the world into the light age."
Simultaneous to serving as CEO of Dey LP, Engle was also Regional Director, North America for Merck Generics Group from 2006-2007. In this position, he was responsible for all of Merck Generic's North American businesses, including Dey LP, Genpharm, Inc. (Canada) and Genpharm, LP (US). He was responsible for sales in excess of $800 million and managed over 1200 employees. Additionally, Engle was a key member of the Merck Generics Executive Management Committee (EMC), where he shared worldwide responsibility for running this $2.5 billion division of Merck KGaA.