ELEKTA'S PRESIDENT & CEO DR LAURENT LEKSELL ASSUMES NEW ROLE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - TOMAS PUUSEPP APPOINTED NEW PRESIDE
ELEKTA'S PRESIDENT & CEO DR LAURENT LEKSELL ASSUMES NEW ROLE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - TOMAS PUUSEPP APPOINTED NEW PRESIDENT & CEO, EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2005PRESS RELEASE Stockholm, September 21, 2004To facilitate a phase of accelerated profitable growth and entry into new markets, the international medical technology Group Elekta today announced that Dr Laurent Leksell will step down as President and CEO, effective May 1, 2005. Dr Leksell will assume a new role as executive member of the Board of Directors in charge of Elekta's strategic development, long-term customer relationships and market expansion. Elekta's Board of Directors has appointed Tomas Puusepp, currently head of global Sales, Marketing and Service in Elekta, to the position of President and CEO as of May 1, 2005."Elekta has now reached a point in our development where we are in a new phase of accelerated profitable growth. To facilitate this, Elekta is strengthening and adding more management time and capacity for the strategic development of the company," says Laurent Leksell."In my new position I can focus more on the long-term development and growth strategy of Elekta, work that I enjoy and a new role in which I believe I can make a strong contribution for Elekta," continues Dr. Leksell. "Looking forward, we can conclude that we have a highly competitive portfolio of products, clinical solutions and services. We are the number one or two in all the markets we serve - markets which all have a substantial continued growth potential. We have a highly proficient, stable and competent international organization capable of serving and supporting a large global network of leading healthcare providers. Our customers are sharing with us our vision to vigorously and persistently pursuing new clinical solutions to improve the care of patients affected by cancer and neurological disorders. In short, we are very well positioned to accelerate the continued profitable growth and development of Elekta."Dr Leksell has been part of Elekta since its founding in 1972 and has been working full time in the company as President and CEO since 1986. During his tenure, Elekta has grown from a small R&D company with two employees and less than SEK 1 million in sales to a market leader and global provider of advanced medical technology and clinical solutions for management of cancer and neurological disorders. Today, Elekta has SEK 3 billion in sales, SEK 1.5 billion in equity, 1,200 employees and subsidiaries in 18 countries.Tomas Puusepp appointed new President and CEO, effective May 1, 2005The Board of Directors has appointed Tomas Puusepp to succeed Laurent Leksell as President and CEO, effective May 1, 2005. Tomas Puusepp is a member of Elekta's group management, currently head of all Sales, Marketing and Service operations, and has 22 years of senior management experience from the international medical-technology market, including introduction of new clinical solutions and financing systems. He joined Elekta in 1988 and has held various executive management positions in the Group during the past 16 years. Among other positions, he has been President of Elekta's neurosurgery business and President and CEO of Elekta's operations in North America."Tomas and I have been working very closely and successfully together since 1988," says Laurent Leksell, "Tomas is a great successor. He is highly experienced and competent, has a proven track record of excellence in execution and has done a fantastic job for the company. Together we have seen Elekta grow from a small Swedish family company to a public company and international market leader. This has been a very exciting and enjoyable collaboration," continues Laurent Leksell. "This positive change forms part of Elekta's business planning, secures management continuity and also paves the way for the continued development and growth of the next generation of capable leaders in Elekta."Gerry van Oortmarssen appointed Executive VP Sales, Marketing and Service, effective May 1, 2005Gerry van Oortmarssen, currently head of Elekta's largest market region Europe (including Africa, Latin America and Middle East) will assume worldwide responsibility for Elekta's sales, marketing and service operations, also effective May 1, 2005.Gerry van Oortmarssen joined Elekta in 1997, previously having held senior positions in leading medical-technology companies. He has extensive general management experience in the international healthcare industry as well as of sales, marketing and service of advanced medical technology. "Tomas and Gerry, together with the rest of Elekta's Group management, form a formidable team with a wealth of experience of Elekta, our international markets as well as in-depth knowledge of our customers and their needs," concludes Laurent Leksell.For further information, please contact:Peter Ejemyr, Group VP Corporate Communications, Elekta AB (publ),Phone: +46 733 611 000, e-mail: peter.ejemyr@elekta.com Elekta is a world-leading supplier of advanced and innovative radiation oncology and neurosurgery solutions and services for precise treatment of cancer and brain disorders. Elekta's solutions are clinically effective, cost efficient and gentle to the patient.For additional information about Elekta, please visit www.elekta.com------------------------------------------------------------This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.netThe following files are available for download:http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/09/21/20040921BIT20900/wkr0001.pdf PDF Version