Dentsply announces retirement of long-serving board member

Dentsply has announced the retirement of board member and former senior executive Leslie Jones, who has been affiliated with the organisation for more than 50 years.

Mr Jones stepped down from his position following the company's annual shareholders' meeting last week, ending his spell as Dentsply's longest-standing board member.

He began his career with Claudius Ash in 1962 prior to its acquisition by Dentsply, serving as a senior executive of the company until his retirement in 1992. He was appointed as a Dentsply director in 1983, remaining as a member of the board continually for 32 years.

His extensive work with the firm included a spell serving as chairman of the board from 1996 to 1998.

Bret Wise, chairman and chief executive officer of Dentsply International, said: "We thank Les for his dedicated service to Dentsply, both as a board member and senior executive. His insights and leadership helped strengthen and grow our business."

The firm announced its financial results for Q1 2015 earlier this month, during which it delivered a better-than-expected performance, despite challenging economic conditions.