Largo, FL, USA -- Ocean Insight, the Applied Spectral Knowledge company, has named Dr. Michael Edwards as its new president. Edwards joined the company in July 2020.

Edwards will be responsible for leading the delivery of Ocean Insight’s mission to apply spectral knowledge, and for supporting customers across academia and industry in developing spectroscopy-based solutions that address major challenges to create a healthier, safer, cleaner future.

“Michael Edwards brings to Ocean Insight his strong experience in leading and growing technology-based companies,” said Tim Prestidge, Divisional Chief Executive at Halma plc, the parent company of Ocean Insight. “Michael has a passion for leadership, team-building and talent development, with experience in biotechnology and other application areas of interest to Ocean Insight customers.”

Two decades of experience

Dr. Edwards has more than two decades of experience in corporate leadership at major science and technology businesses, including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sigma-Aldrich and Heraeus Materials Technology. Most recently, Edwards was CEO of Applikon Biotechnology, North America, where he achieved double-digit revenue growth in delivering advanced bioreactor systems to the pharmaceutical industry. Edwards also has experience in international management and has published numerous articles on business and leadership.

Dr. Edwards commented, "There is clear alignment between Ocean’s purpose and my passion for applying technology to improve lives, and for developing talent. I look forward to contributing, and to continuing to collaborate with our science, research and industry customers around the world."

Edwards has a Bachelor of Science from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University.

“I am excited to be offered the privilege of leading Ocean Insight,” said Edwards. "The thing that excites me most about the future of Ocean is being able to work with this team, all of our wonderful employees, and to forge a path to growing the organization."