Pro-Dex Names New CEO

The board of directors of Irvine, Calif.-based Pro-Dex Inc. named Richard L. Van Kirk as CEO, effective immediately. He succeeds Harold A. Hurwitz, who served as the company’s CEO since February 2013 and chief financial officer (CFO) since October 2010. In addition, Alisha Charlton has been appointed CFO, also effective immediately.

Van Kirk, 54, joined the company as director of manufacturing in 2006, and was subsequently promoted to vice President of operations and then chief operating officer in April 2013. He previously served as manufacturing manager and manager of product development for the ChargeSource division of Comarco, Inc., a provider of power and charging functionality for popular electronic devices and wireless accessories, and as general manager at Dynacast, a leader in precision die casting.

Charlton, 45, joined the company in January 2014 as senior director of finance. Prior to joining Pro-Dex, Charlton held various accounting positions at Comarco Inc. from 2000 culminating in her appointment as chief accounting officer in April 2011. Prior to her 13-year tenure at Comarco, Charlton held various accounting and finance positions with CKE Restaurants Inc. from 1995 to 2000. She began her career in 1991 with KPMG Peat Marwick (now KPMG LLP) and formerly was a certified public accountant.

Nick Swenson, chairman of the company’s board noted: “The board has confidence that Rick’s leadership style will drive growth and profitability at Pro-Dex. Rick is an experienced leader and his knowledge of Pro-Dex gives him the know-how to rapidly move the business forward. The management team at Pro-Dex are veterans in their fields. They are motivated to return Pro-Dex to solid growth and profitability.”

Swenson thanked Hurwitz for his four years of service.

“Hal’s leadership brought stability to the company during a time of significant change and challenge,” Swenson said. “His thoughtful leadership contributed importantly to our new product development processes, which we expect to bear fruit in coming quarters. We wish Hal well in his future pursuits.”

Van Kirk commented: “I am grateful and excited by the opportunity to lead the Pro-Dex organization, its dedicated management team and employees. I have been fortunate to work with them for nine years. Together, with the support of our board, I am looking forward to launching our new products, integrating our acquisitions and driving profitable growth.”

Pro-Dex, with operations in California and Oregon, specializes in the design, development and manufacture of powered rotary drive surgical and dental instruments used primarily in the orthopedic, spine, maxocranial facial and dental markets.

Editor’s note: Van Kirk also has penned regular columns for Orthopedic Design & Technology magazine. Check out one of his articles here.