John Sperzel, president and chief executive of Chembio Diagnostic Inc.,...

John Sperzel, president and chief executive of Chembio Diagnostic Inc., a Medford-based manufacturer of rapid tests for syphilis and the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Credit: Chembio Diagnostics

Chembio Diagnostics Inc. announced Friday that veteran health care executive John Sperzel had become its chief executive and president.

Sperzel succeeds Lawrence A. Siebert, who announced last fall that he would retire after more than a decade of leading the Medford-based manufacturer of rapid tests for HIV and syphilis. Sperzel took over on Thursday.

Sperzel has spent more than 25 years in the industry, most recenty serving as CEO of International Technidyne Corp. The Edison, N.J., business makes equipment that measures blood clotting and blood platelet reactivity after therapies.

"I look forward to building a strong Chembio brand and providing quality products and services to our global customers and partners," he said.

Chembio, a publicly traded business, has 210 employees and sales of about $30 million per year.

Sperzel's appointment was announced after the stock market opening. In early NASDAQ trading, Chembio shares were up more than 1 percent to $3.46.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Michael Rupolo

Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore. Credit: Randee Daddona, Michael Rupolo

Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.

Subscribe

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

SUBSCRIBESALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME