A Medical Device Daily

PerkinElmer (Waltham, Massachusetts) reported that Robert Friel has been elected CEO by the company’s board, effective Feb. 1. He will also retain the title of president.

Gregory Summe will continue in the role of executive chairman and remain as such through the annual shareholders meeting in April 2009. The company said the moves are consistent with its leadership succession plan unveiled in July (Medical Device Daily, July 30, 2007).

Friel joined PerkinElmer in 1999 as CFO and was appointed vice chairman and president of its Life and Analytical Sciences business in 2006. In 2007, Friel was appointed president/COO.

“I am honored by the board’s decision and look forward to leading PerkinElmer,” said Friel. “The company has a great set of businesses, outstanding employees and is well-positioned to continue to drive advancements in health sciences and photonics. I look forward to building on the strong foundation to deliver sustainable growth.”

PerkinElmer specializes in health sciences and photonics.