Petaluma laser startup names new CEO

Raydiance Inc., a Petaluma startup developing laser systems for medical, nanotechnology and defense applications, has named Mel Engle as its new CEO.

Engle is the former CEO and president of Dey, L.P., a Napa pharmaceutical company that makes allergy medications and respiratory aids.

Barry Schuler, founder and former CEO at Raydiance, will become chairman of the company’s board.

Raydiance has developed a small-scale, ultrashort pulse laser system that can vaporize material without generating heat.

The technology is being used in research on cancer treatment, next-generation surgery, gene therapy, cosmetic applications, materials processing, nanotechnology, bioengineering and defense.

“Raydiance not only has developed a truly revolutionary technology platform that promises to disrupt countless industries, but also is experiencing a very exciting and substantive period of growth," Engle said in a statement.

At Dey, Engle helped to boost sales from $250 million in 2002 to more than $600 million last year as the Merck KGaA subsidiary switched its focus from commodity generics to branded products.

From 1980 to 1994, he was an executive at Allergan Inc., which makes eye and skin care products.

“Mel is a consummate operating executive with a very strong track record of rapidly scaling up new companies,” Shuler said in a statement. "His experience will be instrumental in growing our infrastructure, supporting more product development and expanding our customer and employee base.”