The optical interactive sensing technology company Neonode announced Oct. 23 that its board of directors has appointed Urban Forssell as the company's new CEO, effective no later than Jan. 1, 2020. Forssell comes with a doctorate in automatic control and a master of science in applied physics and electrical engineering, both from Linköping University in Sweden. Forrsell previously held the titles of general manager at Öhlins Racing, where he was also responsible for sales and marketing of motorcycle and automotive suspension systems, research and development, and quality assurance; manager at Autoliv Electronics AB; and president and CEO at NIRA Dynamics AB. “I look forward to joining Neonode and feel inspired to work with the team and the board of directors to develop and grow the company,” Forssell said, who since 2013 had served as a vice president at Öhlins Racing AB. “I’m impressed by Neonode’s technology base and know-how and see great potential in the company.” Håkan Persson will resign from his position as CEO, effective immediately. To ensure a smooth transition, Maria Ek, CFO at Neonode, will act as interim CEO until Forssell joins the company. Chairman of the Board Ull Rosberg expressed his gratitude to the outgoing CEO in a statement: “On behalf of the board of directors and Neonode executive team, we thank Håkan for his valuable contributions to grow our global sales presence and partner network and wish him well in his next endeavors.” “I am very pleased to welcome Urban Forssell to Neonode,” Rosberg said. “He brings to the company a demonstrated track record of outstanding business leadership and high technical skills that will be crucial to Neonode’s success moving forward.”