Syneron co-founder Eckhouse tapped to replace CEO

Syneron Medical shakes up leadership, tapes chairman and co-founder Eckhouse to replace CEO

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) -- Syneron Medical Ltd. said Wednesday that its current CEO is stepping down and being replaced by the medical aesthetic device maker's co-founder and board chairman.

Shimon Eckhouse's appointment is effective immediately. Louis Scafuri, the current CEO, will remain available through the second quarter to help with the transition, the Israeli company said.

Syneron makes devices for skin treatment and skin lightening, tooth whitening and other aesthetics. Its products are sold under brand names including Syneron, Candela, and Tanda.

Eckhouse is a co-developer of Syneron's elos technology on which its devices are based. He also is the inventor and developer of IPL technology, which is also used in non-invasive aesthetic medical devices.

In addition to serving as Syneron's chairman, Eckhouse served as CEO of ESC Medical Systems from its inception in 1992 until 1999 and as CEO of ColorChip from 2001 to 2003.

Syneron shares closed Tuesday at $9.20, up about 6 percent since the start of the year.