Blake Michaels is WaveLight's new vice president of sales

Sterling, VA-It was announced yesterday by WaveLight Inc. that Blake Michaels will take over all strategic marketing responsibilities for the U.S. market. In his new role Michaels will continue to oversee WaveLight's domestic sales force while developing customer-directed marketing campaigns and educational programs.

"Michaels has been an integral part of our executive team for the past two years and his leadership has contributed to WaveLight's ability to increase domestic sales by 52% in U.S. dollars within the past fiscal year," said Wolfgang Tolle, chief executive officer of WaveLight, Inc. "I am confident that Michaels' influence in both sales and marketing will further expand our customer-centric focus."

Michaels is replacing former Vice President of Marketing Luca Sergio, who worked at the company since September 2005 and will now delve into other areas of ophthalmology. Michaels' past projects include building and establishing the U.S. sales force and increasing awareness of the Allegretto wave platform within the ophthalmic community.

"I am honored to take on the additional role of marketing for the U.S. market," Michaels commented. "WaveLight's refractive laser systems have changed the way in which ophthalmologists perform LASIK surgery and continue to be the most advanced platforms available today. I am eager to impact our current and prospective customers as well as our sales force through integrated sales and marketing campaigns."