NATICK, MA May 31, 2007
Cognex Names Two New Board Members
NATICK, MA, May 31, 2007--Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX), the world's leading supplier of machine vision sensors and systems, announced today that Theodor Krantz and Edward J. Smith have joined the company's Board of Directors. Mr. Krantz and Mr. Smith have also accepted appointments to the company's audit committee, which will be chaired by Mr. Krantz. And, Mr. Smith has been appointed chairman of the company's nominating and governance committee.
Theodor Krantz is President of Airmar Technology Inc., a world leader in ultrasonic sensors for the marine and industrial markets. From 1984 to 1999 he served as President, and later CEO, of Velcro Industries. Under his leadership Velcro achieved a four-fold growth in sales, expanded its business through acquisitions in China, Europe and Latin America, and penetrated the automotive industry, which became a significant market for the company. He also serves as a director and member of the audit committee at Hitchiner Manufacturing Company and at Control Air, Inc. Mr. Krantz holds a B.A. from Princeton University, and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
Edward J. Smith is President of Barnegat Bay Capital, a consulting and independent investment banking firm. Prior to founding Barnegat Bay Capital in 2001, he spent 30 years as an investment banker, focusing primarily on technology companies, at Prudential Securities, Merrill Lynch, Shearson Lehman Brothers and Kidder Peabody. During his investment banking career he managed over 250 equity and debt transactions and completed more than 40 M&A assignments. Mr. Smith is a director of ATS Corporation, where he chairs the audit committee and is a member of the compensation committee. He has also served as a director and member of the audit committee at Global Imaging Systems Inc. (acquired by Xerox in May 2007), and at Fargo Electronics, Inc. (acquired by Assa Abloy in May 2006). Mr. Smith is a lecturer at Yale University, where he teaches a course called "The Corporate Board of Directors." He holds a B.A. from Yale University, and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
"We are very pleased to have attracted two executives of such high caliber to our Board of Directors," said Dr. Robert J. Shillman, Cognex's Chairman and CEO. "Both of these new board members bring skills and experience that will greatly help Cognex meet the challenges that lie ahead."
Investor Relations Contact:
Susan Conway
Director of Investor Relations
Telephone: (508) 650-3353
Email: susan.conway@cognex.com
Media Relations Contact:
Robin Pratt
Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (858) 350-5065
Email: robin.pratt@cognex.com