Saunders takes top job

Surface Technology Systems has appointed John Saunders as Chief Executive Officer.

Surface Technology Systems has appointed John Saunders as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st September 2005.

Saunders, who is currently Finance Director of STS, joined the company from Atlantic Technology (UK) in April 2005.

He takes over from Executive Vice Chairman, Mutsuo Mukuda, who is retiring from the company at the age of 65.

Mukuda moved to STS from its major shareholder, Sumitomo Precision Products of Japan (SPP), in October 2003.

Under his leadership, the company has moved forwards with an aggressive product development strategy, and many positive changes have been implemented, most recently the successful development and delivery of STS' new Pegasus silicon etch system to the market.

STS has announced a number of additional senior management changes, also effective 1st September 2005.

Assisting Saunders in his new role will be Dr Leslie Lea, who joins the STS board as Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Dr Lea brings a wealth of experience of STS products and markets to the board and will be a valuable partner to Saunders.

Joining STS in 1996 Dr Lea has managed the Research and Technology Group where he was instrumental in the development of the Pegasus system.

Also joining the board are Dr David Haynes, as Sales and Marketing Director, and Dr Tudor Thomas, as Operations Director.

Both have been acting in their respective roles for the previous 18 months.

Commenting on his new role, CEO designate John Saunders said: "These changes and appointments provide STS with a very strong and vastly experienced senior management team that is able to address the future with confidence and experience".

"The new team will also be able to build on the business recovery work completed by Mr Mukuda as STS continues to return to profitability".

"The board and I would like to thank Mr Mukuda for successfully returning STS to a company well positioned to meet the demands of an ever-growing market place".

"The many changes and improvements implemented during Mr Mukuda's time at STS leave us in a strong competitive position and, with the release of Pegasus, reinforces our commitment to delivering process solutions to meet our customers' needs".

"Mr Mukuda has shown great dedication and energy during the business recovery project and we wish him and his wife a long and happy retirement in Japan".

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