Powerlase appoints chairman of the board and CEO

May 5--Powerlase Ltd. has appointed Samuel Simonsson as non-executive director and chairman of the board and Anthony King as chief executive officer.

Simonsson joins Powerlase following a long-standing career in the laser industry. He will work with the executive team in the formulation and implementation of strategy as the company continues to develop its operations and product range to cope with demand from customers and the wider marketplace.

In 1975 Simonsson co-founded Rofin-Sinar Laser GmbH. As CEO he led the company for 19 years while it grew to become a globally positioned industrial laser world market leader. In addition, Simonsson brings more than 10 years of experience in directing fast-growing technology companies in a variety of sectors, including software, MEMS, sensor technology, and construction industries.

King joined Powerlase as executive director and COO in 2005 after 23 years in the semiconductor and telecommunications industries.