Appointment supports the Company’s goals of organic growth and expansion through acquisitions
Uppsala, Sweden, 20 June 2016: Gyros Protein Technologies AB, a pioneer in automated nanoliter-scale immunoassays and leading provider of peptide synthesizers and reagents, today announced the appointment of Dr. Frank Witney as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Witney’s appointment is a key milestone in Gyros Protein Technologies’ strategy to build upon the Company’s strong market position through ongoing development of innovative products, commercial expansion, and growth via acquisition. David Patteson, prior chairman of Protein Technologies, Inc. remains as a Director.
Dr. Witney has over 30 years of experience in leadership and innovation in the life science industry. Most recently he was President and CEO of Affymetrix, which was acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific in March 2016. Prior to this, Dr. Witney was President and Chief Executive Officer of Dionex, leading to the company’s successful acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2011. Earlier executive roles include President and CEO of Panomics, acquired by Affymetrix, and COO at Packard Biosciences, acquired by PerkinElmer, after which he served as President of their Life Sciences Group. Earlier in his career Dr. Witney held a series of positions at Bio-Rad Laboratories, including Group Operations Manager of the Life Science Group, leading efforts to enter rapidly growing markets for proteomic and bioassay technologies.
Dr. Witney holds a doctorate in molecular and cell biology from Indiana University, and was a post-doctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Cerus Corporation and Exagen Diagnostics, Inc.
Dan Calvo, CEO of Gyros Protein Technologies, commented: “We are delighted that Frank has joined as Chairman. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field, and his guidance will be invaluable as we work to build Gyros Protein Technologies following the merger earlier this year.”
Dr. Witney said: “I am very pleased to join Gyros Protein Technologies at this exciting time for the business. The Company has a clear vision, a history of strong and profitable growth, and a robust strategy. I look forward to working with Dan and the Board in their efforts to grow the newly combined platform and enhance shareholder value.”
Established in March 2016 by the merger of Gyros AB and Protein Technologies, Inc., Gyros Protein Technologies combines Gyros’ microfluidics, systems development and immunoassay expertise with Protein Technologies’ deep knowledge in developing and manufacturing instruments for peptide synthesis. The Company provides customers an unrivaled range of peptide synthesis and bioanalytical tools for biotherapeutics discovery, development and bioprocessing
Both Gyros and Protein Technologies introduced new platforms in 2015. Gyros launched Gyrolab xPlore™, an automated, nanoliter-scale, single CD immunoassay system, while Protein Technologies introduced the Prelude® X which incorporates novel, efficient heating and UV monitoring technology for economical, rapid synthesis of even the most difficult peptides.
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Notes to editors
Media contact:
Katie Odgaard
Zyme Communications
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Email: Katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com
About Gyros Protein Technologies (For more information please click here) Gyros Protein Technologies is a leading provider of sample preparation, synthesis and bioanalytical tools for biotherapeutics discovery, development and bioprocessing. Formed in March 2016 by the merger of Gyros AB and Protein Technologies, Inc., the Company combines Gyros’ microfluidics, systems development and immunoassay expertise with Protein Technologies’ deep knowledge in developing and manufacturing instruments for peptide synthesis.
With a large and growing installed base of instruments in the biopharmaceutical industry and related markets, Gyros Protein Technologies is leading its field in several key application areas in biotherapeutics, from research through Phase 4 clinical development and particularly in bioprocess. The Company holds a high growth, high margin product portfolio, including ~50% in recurring aftermarket consumables and service revenue, coupled with a reputation for exceptional customer service and support.
Gyros Protein Technologies has over 100 employees across the USA, Europe and Asia, with development and manufacturing facilities in Uppsala, Sweden and Tucson, AZ, and a commercial site in Warren, NJ.
