PerkinElmer, Inc (PerkinElmer), a US-based medical devices company, board has appointed its president and chief executive officer (CEO), Robert F. Friel, to the additional role of chairman of the board of directors. Friel comes to PerkinElmer in 1999 as chief financial officer and was appointed vice chairman and president of the company's Life and Analytical Sciences business in 2006. In 2007, Friel was named president and chief operating officer of the company. He replaces Summe as CEO in 2008.

“Rob’s leadership and deep understanding of PerkinElmer’s businesses, organization and entrepreneurial culture makes him ideally suited to lead the Company going forward,” said Summe. “I believe that PerkinElmer today has an executive management team in place that is well positioned to continue driving the global growth and profitability of the Company through providing greater value to customers worldwide.”

“Greg’s vision, commitment and strong leadership over the last decade have been instrumental in transforming PerkinElmer from a diversified company with an offering largely focused in government services, to a $2 billion global technology and health sciences leader,” said Friel. “We will leverage our strong operating foundation to continue expanding our human and environmental health businesses and broadening our footprint in emerging markets. We thank Greg for all of his contributions to the Company.”