May 17, 2007 – Veeco Instruments Inc. has appointed John Peeler as CEO, succeeding Ed Braun who announced last fall that he would step aside in 2007. Peeler is expected to start his new job in early July, and be named as a director sometime in August.

Braun, recipient of SEMI’s Bob Graham award in 2004 for his efforts to help reduce high R&D costs and minimizing cyclical market effects on smaller equipment companies, took over as Veeco CEO in July 2006, after Don Kania left to become president and CEO of FEI Co. Veeco said at the time it would not replace the president/COO position.

Peeler is currently president of JDS Uniphase’s $600 million communications test and measurement business, with nearly 30 years of experience with multiproduct equipment and instrumentation technologies. He was formerly CEO of Acterna (acquired by JDSU in 2005).

In a statement, Braun and Irwin Pfister, Veeco’s lead director, pointed to Peeler’s experience and track record of managing complex technology in high growth markets, while Pfister noted that Braun’s perspective and industry acumen will continue to be valuable in his new role as chairman. Veeco’s board will work closely with both men and Veeco’s senior management team as the company enters a new phase of growth, he added.