Bookham and Kymata CEOs move on

17 Jun 2002

Brendan Hyland leaves Kymata and Bookham's Andrew Rickman is appointed executive chairman

The CEOs of two UK photonics start-ups Bookham and Kymata find themselves in new positions. Brendan Hyland, founder and CEO of Kymata has left the company that he set up only two years ago. The true reasons for his departure are unclear, as Kymata will not comment on the move. The day to day management of the business will be led by chief operating officer Mike Hickey as acting CEO, supported by chief financial officer Gerry McAloon, ahead of the appointment of a new CEO. Richard Laming continues in his role as chief technical officer.

Andrew Rickman, founder and CEO of Bookham Technology, has been appointed executive chairman, and Giorgio Anania, formerly Bookham's marketing manager, has been named as his successor. According to Bookham, Rickman will now "focus on the long-term development of the company, including exploring new strategic and technological developments as well as establishing alliances with key industry players to expand the company's presence within the market". Bookham's share price has been falling since its IPO and it recently announced a profit warning.