Align Technology appoints research and development head

Align Technology has announced the appointment of Zelko Relic as its new vice-president of research and development, effective as of December 2nd 2013.

Mr Relic will take charge of the company's global research and development initiatives, including overseeing the development of new and enhanced products for the Invisalign clear aligner and iTero scanner businesses.

He joins the company from Datalogic Automation, a global leader in automatic data capture and industrial automation markets, where he served as vice-president for engineering.

Prior to this, he has served with major international companies such as Danaher Corporation, Siemens Medical Solutions USA,  Kulicke and Soffa Industries and KLA-Tencor.

Thomas Prescott, Align Technology president and chief executive officer, said: "His extensive knowledge of software development and advanced technologies in the healthcare, semiconductor and automation industries adds a valuable range and depth of experience to our leadership team."

This comes after the firm recently announced the resignation of Richard Twomey as its international vice-president, with his departure set to take place at the end of the year.