Atossa Genetics Inc. Hires Pieter van der Poel as Vice President of European Commercial Operations

Atossa Genetics Inc.

today announced that it has hired Pieter van der Poel as Vice President of European Commercial Operations effective December 15, 2014. Mr. Van der Poel brings over 20 years of global medical device markets and business development experience for leading medical companies, including Philips Medical Systems, Hewlett-Packard Medical (now Philips Healthcare) and GE Healthcare. Throughout his career, he has focused on leading development and the marketing of diagnostic imaging, automated blood analysis systems, retinal cameras, blood separation systems for blood transfusion services, and digital image analysis tools. In addition, Mr. Van der Poel brings global marketing experience and expertise gained at high technology companies such as Alstom Power and US-based FEI Company. He brings broad experience in change management, corporate strategy, up and downstream marketing and continuous process improvement gained while at GE Healthcare in Milwaukee. "We are thrilled to have Mr. Van der Poel join us at this critical time to lead and execute the European commercial strategy for Atossa," said Dr. Steven C. Quay, CEO and President of Atossa. "He brings deep experience starting up businesses in the medical field as well as strong networks across Atossa's key growth market, Europe and the Middle East." Prior to joining Atossa Genetics, Mr. Van der Poel directed the TEM franchise at FEI Company. He has held leadership positions in marketing at Philips Medical Systems, Hewlett-Packard Medical (now Philips Healthcare) and GE Healthcare, all on a global basis. He successfully co-founded Hemacon GmbH an innovator in blood separation systems. Mr. Van der Poel holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Nyenrode Business University in the Netherlands and an MBA from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. On December 15, 2014, and as an inducement to cause Mr. Van der Poel to join the Company, he was awarded an option to purchase a total of 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, which are outside the Company's 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan but are subject to the terms of that plan. The stock option has an exercise price equal to $0.96 per share, the fair market value on the grant date and vests over a four-year period from his commencement of service. This stock option was granted as an inducement material to Mr. Van der Poel entering into employment with the Company and is being reported in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).