Xylem Inc. announced the election of Robert F. Friel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI), to its Board of Directors. His appointment to Xylem’s board is effective immediately.
Friel, 57, was named chief executive officer of PerkinElmer in February, 2008, and elected chairman of its Board of Directors in April, 2009. Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., PerkinElmer is a global technology leader providing diagnostic, life sciences research and analytical testing solutions with 2011 revenues of $1.9 billion. He joined PerkinElmer in 1999 as senior vice president and chief financial officer, and subsequently served in a series of executive financial and operating positions. Prior to joining PerkinElmer, Friel spent 19 years with AlliedSignal, Inc., now Honeywell International, in a number of global financial executive positions, and was ultimately named vice president and treasurer in 1996.
"Rob’s deep experience in global finance and operations will add valuable perspective to Xylem’s board as we continue to execute our growth strategies," said Gretchen McClain, president and chief executive officer of Xylem Inc. "We are pleased to welcome him as a director and look forward to his future contributions."
It’s a great pleasure to welcome another accomplished and dynamic director to our board,” said Xylem Chairman Markos Tambakeras. “Rob’s years of experience and business insights will bring great value to Xylem.”
Friel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Lafayette College and a Master of Science degree in taxation from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition to PerkinElmer, Friel also serves as a director at CareFusion Corporation (NYSE: CFN), a $3.5 billion medical equipment manufacturer, and is a member of the National Board of Trustees for the March of Dimes. Friel’s election brings to 10 the number of directors on Xylem Inc.’s board.
