Konarka Attracts Top Financial Executive to Board of Directors
Lowell, Massachussetts, Massachussetts April 4, 2005
Konarka
Technologies, Inc., an innovator in developing and commercializing
power plastics that convert light to energy, today announced the
appointment of Kevin Starr to its Board of Directors. Starr will
provide insight and strategic guidance to Konarka's senior executive
team, drawing on the significant financial, technology, business
and operating management expertise he gained in the pharmaceutical
and high technology industries.
"Kevin has a solid record of leading companies through many stages of growth, especially in helping earlier stage organizations evolve into commercial, product-driven enterprises," said Howard Berke, chairman and chief executive officer, Konarka. "As an independent advisor, he brings a valuable understanding of corporate building and financial strategies to Konarka."
Starr has put his proven leadership, management and technical skills to work for two of the leading biopharmaceutical companies in the world.
At
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MLNM), he was the chief
operating officer and chief financial officer. During his tenure,
Starr was instrumental in raising critical capital through strategic
alliances and public financing and driving growth through mergers
and acquisitions. Prior to being named COO and CFO, he served as
vice president, finance, of Millennium BioTherapeutics, Inc., a
majority-owned subsidiary of Millennium, where he led strategic
financial planning and operations and played a leadership role
in business development and creating the financial infrastructure
for the company.
At Biogen, Inc. (now Biogen Idec, Nasdaq: BIIB), Starr was corporate controller
and manager of financial analysis and was a key driver for a number
of US and European launch activities for the company's first proprietary
product. He also held several senior finance positions at Digital
Equipment Corp., which is now part of Hewlett Packard Company (NYSE,
Nasdaq: HPQ). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics
and Business from Colby College and a Master of Science degree
in Corporate Finance from Boston College.
"Helping Konarka execute on its vision for low cost, universally available renewable energy is an exciting opportunity," said Starr. "I'm looking forward to being part of such a strong team with an innovative technology."
Konarka
Technologies, Inc. builds products that convert light to
energy - anywhere. Konarka is the
leading developer of polymer photovoltaic products that provide
a source of renewable power in a variety of form factors for commercial,
industrial, government and consumer applications. Konarka's photovoltaic
nanotechnology is focused on delivering lightweight, flexible,
scalable and manufacturable products.
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