Key Technology Appoints John J. Ehren as President and Chief Executive Officer
May 23, 2012 - Key Technology announces that John "Jack" Ehren has been selected to succeed David Camp as President and Chief Executive Officer. Ehren is responsible for leading strategies that bring Key's automated inspection, specialized conveying, product preparation systems, and world-class service to customers worldwide. Camp will continue to support the company in a consulting role over the next year.
Ehren has been with Key Technology since 2008, when he joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In 2009, he also served as the General Manager of Symetix®, the company's pharmaceutical division. In 2010, he assumed the duties of Senior Vice President of Global Operations, and since 2011, he served as Executive Vice President as well as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Key, Ehren was with Planar Systems, Inc. where he served in several officer positions, including Vice President of Global Operations and Vice President of Finance.
"During the past four years, Jack has demonstrated strong leadership within the company. He has broad operating experience and a deep understanding of the industry and our business. His passion for the company and its customers and his vision for Key's future make him an ideal choice going forward," said David Camp. "I am pleased that the Board has elected to transition leadership of Key to a person of Jack's capabilities and character."
Chuck Stonecipher, Chairman of the Board stated, "Since David was recruited as Key's Chief Executive in 2006, more than half of the company's current optical sorters have been developed, and we've achieved five of the highest revenue years in the company's 65-year history. We appreciate David's many accomplishments. With Jack's skills and experience and his dedication to continuous improvement, we are confident the company will continue to excel."
Commenting on his new appointment, Jack Ehren stated, "I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Key as we pursue our vision of technology innovation and excellence. The company is an industry leader with a blue-chip customer base thanks to our talented work force, exceptional equipment, and commitment to superior service. I look forward to helping Key achieve new levels of performance."
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol: KTEC.
