On the move

24 Jul 2006

A regular round-up of staff changes within the industry featuring Ocean Optics, Powerlase, Pacific Silicon Sensor and more.

•  Ghanbari brings fresh ideas to Ocean Optics

Ocean Optics, a US provider of spectrometers, chemical sensors and metrology instrumentation, has recruited Abe Ghanbari as vice president of operations. This newly created position will involve managing the firm's manufacturing process, developing new systems and guiding the company's strategic growth. Ghanbari brings 20 years of experience in the electronics industry to Ocean Optics and has worked across a range of sectors, such as flat panel displays, data storage and semiconductor processing. Previously, he oversaw US production operations at Applied Materials, Sony and Dielectric Systems.

•  SPIE hires Colquhoun to grow exhibition business

Gary Colquhoun has joined SPIE Europe as its industry services liaison. His duties include developing new business opportunities for SPIE Europe exhibitions and increasing its corporate database with an emphasis on biophotonics, nanotechnology, sensors, defence, displays and solid-state lighting. Previously, Colquhoun worked as part of the Scottish Enterprise micro- and opto-electronics team and has seven years of industrial experience in advanced optoelectronics and product development.

•  Veterans bring industry know-how to Powerlase

Powerlase, a manufacturer of DPSS lasers, has appointed Samuel Simonsson as chairman of the board and Anthony King as CEO. The duo bring considerable experience to the firm, which is looking to rapidly grow its laser business. Simonsson co-founded Rofin-Sinar Laser in 1975 and led the company as CEO for 19 years. King has spent the past 23 years working in the semiconductor and telecommunications industry and joined Powerlase as chief operating officer in 2005.

•  Silicon Sensor expands presence in United States

Pacific Silicon Sensor (PSS), a subsidiary of Silicon Sensor International, as added Mark Nicklas to its senior management team. At PSS, Nicklas will take on the roll of vice president (VP) of sales and marketing. Prior to joining the firm, Nicklas was VP of sales and marking at Advanced Photonix and has also held key management positions at JDSU and EG&G Optoelectronics. "Mark has a successful track record in the optoelectronics industry that spans 20 years," said Bernd Kriegel, founder of Silicon Sensor. "His appointment is a signal to the market that we are expanding our US presence."