Press Release Library

Ahura Names Douglas Kahn Chairman and CEO

Company Founder Named President

Wilmington, MA – October 10, 2005 - Ahura Corporation, a manufacturer of rugged intelligent Raman systems for field-portable analysis today announced that R. Douglas Kahn, has been elected to the Board of Directors and named Chairman and CEO.  Dr. Daryoosh Vakhshoori, the company’s founder was named President.

As an internationally recognized entrepreneur, Kahn brings more than 25 years of executive management experience  to the company.  He has an extensive track record of leadership in high technology companies.  “I’m looking forward to working closely with Dr. Vakhshoori and the founding team at Ahura who’ve done brilliant work designing and building the world’s best products for identification of unknown chemical substances”, said Kahn.  “With it’s industry leading technology, the company is poised for rapid growth”.  Kahn brings the leadership and experience to help guide the company through this exciting phase of its growth and development.

“We are happy to have Doug join our team.  He is the right leader for Ahura Corporation”  said Dr. Vakhshoori.  “His executive leadership skills, strategic vision and commitment to customers complement our innovative team of engineers and scientists in the development lab.  His strong management experience will help shape Ahura as we continue our growth and global expansion.”

Mr. Kahn has high praise for the team at Ahura.  “I am tremendously impressed by the technical capabilities of Daryoosh and the high caliber  team he’s assembled!  Ahura has developed breakthrough “Optical Engine™” technology and brilliantly implemented it into a line of products that truly meet the needs of our military and first responder teams for real time use in the field. Ahura’s unique hardware and software technology position the company well to meet the needs of this and other emerging market opportunities. It’s an  exciting company  and I’m thrilled to given the opportunity to lead this great team.

Ahura enjoys strong support and commitment  from leading VCs: ComVentures, Castile Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners.  The company has raised more than $20m, in two rounds.

”I am  impressed with the quality of the investor group, the applicability of their prior operating experience, their strong commitment,  and the strategic insight they provide to the company through their active  participation on the Board” said Kahn. “I am pleased to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of people”.

Prior to joining Ahura Corporation Mr. Kahn was CEO and President of PanAmSat Corporation,  a leading international provider of satellite-based communications services.  Prior to PanAmSat, he served as Chairman and CEO of Easel Corporation, guiding this software company through three rounds of venture capital investment, and successful IPO and ten years of growth. Kahn holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BS in operations research and industrial engineering from Cornell University.  

 

About Ahura Scientific, Inc.

Ahura Scientific, Inc. develops rugged, ultra-compact, field-enabled optical systems for the immediate identification and authentication of liquid and solid chemical substances. Customers include the homeland security, life sciences, industrial and medical markets. Manufactured in the USA in an ISO 9001-certified facility, the company’s products offer exceptional portability and unparalleled performance. 

More information at www.ahurascientific.com.

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Media Contacts:

Kerstin Barr, Ahura Scientific, Inc.

978-642-2547 phone
kerstin.barr@thermofisher.com