CHARLOTTE, NC—Sirona Dental Systems, the world’s only full-line dental equipment manufacturer has experienced record U.S. growth in 2004. The positive development of sales coupled with a promising future outlook is prompting the company to make changes to its management structure. “The response from American dentists to Sirona’s innovative dental equipment has been overwhelming,” said Michael Augins, President of Sirona Dental Systems LLC, the company’s U.S. subsidiary. “We have more than doubled both our sales and the size of our team in the past three years, and with this round of promotions we are confident we have the right people in place to lead us into an exciting and promising future.”
Beginning January 1, 2005, the following promotions will be in effect:
Stefan Hehn to Vice President – CAD/CAM. With this promotion, Hehn’s responsibilities expand beyond Sirona’s CEREC line to include all products related to dental restorations. The company has plans to extend its CAD/CAM offerings in 2005.
Michael Williamson to Vice President, Sales & Marketing - Imaging and Operatory. Williamson replaces interim Vice President Bill Fitzpatrick who has provided excellent leadership for the past two and a half years. Williamson will oversee all sales and marketing activities for Sirona’s Imaging and Operatory equipment throughout North America.
Steve Sutton to Director of Operations. This promotion expands Sutton’s role as Director of Customer Care, to include not only customer service and technical service but also management of Sirona’s headquarter facilities in Charlotte, N.C.
Michael Leadlove to Director, Sales & Marketing – Instruments. Leadlove, previously responsible for the marketing of Sirona’s popular electric and air-driven handpieces, will expand his role to include the promotion of additional product offerings scheduled for release in 2005
Michael Haskett to Regional Manager – Instruments Division. Haskett will take on the Sales Management for Sirona’s Instrument line and will be responsible for driving handpiece sales, development of the handpiece team, and assisting with distributor relationship growth. He was previously a territory manager for the handpiece team in the Midwest.
Anthony diPaola to National Trainer – Instruments Division. diPaola will be responsible for coordinating and conducting all training sessions related to the Instruments Division. The training position is in addition to his responsibilities as the Metro New York territory manager for the Instruments Division.
Karsten Kroll to Technical Support Manager – Treatment Centers Division. Kroll will be responsible for managing the customization of Sirona treatment center units in Charlotte and will provide training and support for installations and technical service issues relating to Sirona Treatment Centers. He joins Sirona Dental Systems, LLC from Sirona Dental Systems, GMBH in Germany.
Karena Lanier to Logistics Manager. Lanier, previously responsible for materials procurement and purchasing, has been promoted to Logistics Manager and will oversee all purchasing and warehouse functions.
“We are thrilled with the talent and commitment of our entire team, and look forward to continuing success with this new management structure in place,” Augins said.
About Sirona Dental Systems
Recognized today the world’s leading manufacturer of high technology dental equipment and technologies, Sirona (formerly Siemens Dental Systems) has served equipment dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 125 years. Sirona manufactures a complete line of dental products, including the CEREC CAD/CAM restoration equipment, digital and film-based intraoral, panoramic and cephalometric X-ray imaging systems, dental treatment centers and handpieces. Sirona is committed to creating and supporting the most advanced dental technologies in the marketplace. Sirona’s worldwide headquarters is located in Bensheim, Germany, with U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. www.sirona.com