Fast-growing Proto Labs has appointed its second top executive in 10 months as an aggressive search for new talent continues.
On Monday, the Maple Plain-based custom manufacturer announced that John A. Way will be its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. He replaces Jack Judd, who is retiring.
The announcement was made by CEO Vicki Holt, who became Proto Labs chief executive in February. "This guy is fantastic. So I am really excited," she said.
Before joining Proto Labs, Way was the CFO at Univita, a private home health care provider. At Univita, he helped sell and separate the Insurance Administration Services division. He also worked for UnitedHealth Group and was the chief financial officer of its Optum Collaborative Care division. There he helped acquire and integrate several businesses, which helped Optum become a $3 billion organization.
"John's track record of successfully managing the financial operations of high growth companies will be of tremendous value to Proto Labs as we continue our rapid expansion both in the U.S. and internationally," Holt said.
Holt and Way are part of a leadership team that is aiming to move Proto Labs from a company with $163 million in 2013 sales to a company with more than $1 billion.
Proto Labs, which makes prototypes and performs quick-turn custom manufacturing, is scrambling to add workers after several expansions in recent months. Proto Labs hired 252 new workers in the last seven months and needs 100 more,
"Our global head count is now 1,037," Holt said. "It's exciting."
