Novanta Inc., a global leader and supplier of laser, precision motion, and vision technologies to original equipment manufacturers in the medical and advanced industrial markets, today announced that it has named Matthijs Glastra as Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, effective September 1, 2016. Mr. Glastra currently serves as Novanta's Chief Operating Officer, and will succeed John Roush as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Roush will continue to serve in an advisory role after September 1, 2016 for a limited transition period.
"As Novanta completes its transformation to a leading global supplier of enabling technology solutions in the medical and advanced industrial end markets, the Board is confident that Matthijs is uniquely qualified to build on the work that has been done in the past six years, while carrying forward the core values that John instilled," said Stephen W. Bershad, Chairman of Novanta's Board of Directors. "Matthijs' deep experience leading and growing OEM technology businesses, his extensive international operating background, his in-depth understanding of the Novanta businesses and his progressive leadership skills give us great confidence that he is the right person to lead the Company forward."
"The Board appreciates John's achievements over the last six years in transforming the Company," Mr. Bershad continued. Mr. Roush added, "I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to lead the Company and to bring Novanta to this point. With this work now complete, it is the perfect time to pass the reins to Matthijs to lead Novanta's next chapter. I could not imagine a better prepared, more capable successor than Matthijs."
Mr. Glastra stated, "Over the past few years, John and I have worked together to build a strong team and business portfolio that is well positioned to deliver on our strategic vision. I am, therefore, honored to have the opportunity to lead this great Company. As we embark on a new phase focused on growth, I am excited to work with our Board, our management team, our customers and our exceptionally talented employees to create value for all stakeholders."
Mr. Glastra joined Novanta Inc. in 2012 as Group President, and was appointed the Company's Chief Operating Officer in February 2015. Prior to Novanta, he led and grew global technology businesses in industrial and medical end-markets during an 18-year career with Philips, both in Europe as well as Silicon Valley. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Philips Entertainment Lighting and as Chief Operating Officer of Philips Lumileds. Prior to that, he held multiple general manager and leadership positions at various Philips divisions, including the Healthcare division. Mr. Glastra holds a Master of Science Degree in Applied Physics from Delft University of Technology, an Advanced Engineering Degree from ESPCI in Paris, France, and an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
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