Keith Williams brings years of strong international leadership and technical acumen to UL as it continues to expand its business and public safety mission globally
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which claims to be the world's leading safety testing and certification organisation, has named Keith Williams as its new president and chief executive officer.
UL also elected Williams to the company's board of trustees.
His appointment will begin in mid-May 2005.
Williams brings years of strong international leadership and technical acumen to UL as it continues to expand its business and public safety mission globally.
Williams joins UL from Medtronic, where, as senior vice president, he diversified and strengthened the company's Asia-Pacific business, while successfully navigating recent changes in Japanese law regarding medical device companies.
During his tenure with Medtronic, Williams also served as the company's senior quality and regulatory officer and led its US$1.7 billion neurological and spinal business.
"Keith comes to UL as a seasoned executive," said UL chairman Fred Marcon.
"His proven success record in leading technology-driven global businesses, combined with his strong technical orientation and financial expertise makes him an excellent leader for UL.
"His technical savvy and engineering background are an excellent fit with UL and will help ensure that UL remains the world's leader in safety testing, certification and public safety".
Williams began his 23-year career with GE Medical Systems in 1974.
In 1996, he was named general manager of global logistics, managing GE's $500 million global inventory and international customer service operations.
Previously, Williams served as president of GE Medical Systems China where he was responsible for all GE Medical Systems operations in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
"I was drawn to UL's public safety mission and the opportunity to take its global business to the next level, " said Williams.
"I look forward to joining the organisation and working with its dedicated staff, its customers and regulatory and consumer communities.
"I am confident that together we will advance UL's public safety mission and take the company to unprecedented growth levels."
