IRVINE, California--BIOLASE Technology Inc., a leader in medical and dental laser products and technology, has announced that Jeffrey W. Jones has been appointed the company's new president and chief executive officer.
Jones, who led BIOLASE to unprecedented growth and profitability during a previous six-year term as company CEO, intends to bring renewed vitality to BIOLASE's lines of business by fostering a stronger, more customer-centric approach companywide.
As BIOLASE's new president and chief executive, Jones replaces Robert E. Grant who has left the company. George V. d'Arbeloff, a director of the company, has been elected BIOLASE's new Chairman of the Board.
"Jeff Jones is not only a capable and proven chief executive, but also one of the most visible and respected authorities in medical and dental laser technology," said d'Arbeloff. "We're pleased that Jeff has once again agreed to retake the reins of BIOLASE at this critical point in the company's growth."
During Jones' earlier tenure as CEO from 1998 to 2004, BIOLASE experienced its strongest financial and operational performance. From 1999 to 2003 the manufacturer saw a sevenfold increase in annual revenue, from $7.0 million to $49.0 million. Annual sales growth jumped 50 percent over the final 15 quarters of Jones' leadership, along with 10 consecutive quarters of profitability.
"The three hottest technologies in dentistry are digital imaging, CAD/CAM and lasers. According to a June 2006 survey by Dental Products Report, 18.9 percent of dentists surveyed plan to purchase a dental laser within the next 12 months, 9.1 percent plan to purchase a CAD/CAM system and 23.7 percent plan to purchase digital X-ray systems. BIOLASE is well positioned and fortunate to be the most recognized name for dental lasers," Jones stated.
"Independent research shows that tens of thousands of dentists have moved from 'if' to 'when' they are going to implement a laser in their practices. As the confirmed category leader in dental laser equipment, we are in an excellent position to capitalize on this exciting and developing trend."
Customer Focus
Jones explained that giving BIOLASE a stronger emphasis on the needs of its current and potential customers in the dental industry will benefit everyone.
"BIOLASE has captured over 70 perent of the laser market worldwide. Our job now is to get closer to the daily needs of dentists who use our products. We want our customers to feel we are a trusted partner�someone who listens to their concerns and who can respond with exceptional service as well as pre-eminent products."
BIOLASE has already taken steps to improve its customer focus by restructuring its sales and marketing function to better profile product purchases and usage by individual dental practices. In a key move, Keith Bateman, formerly Executive Vice President of Marketing, has been promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.
"Keith is an executive with strong and extended sales and marketing experience," said Jones. "He has demonstrated his ability and commitment to ensure each customer's success with laser technology, especially through training of office staff. This is something we will be placing increased emphasis on as we go forward."
