SAN DIEGO, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM), a life sciences company committed to enabling healthier lives through the development of innovative products and services, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed current Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Dirk van den Boom, Ph.D. as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Dr. van den Boom will also retain his seat on Sequenom's Board of Directors. "The Board's unanimous decision reflects our strong confidence in Dirk's ability to execute on our strategic plan and to restore Sequenom's growth," said Dr. Kenneth Buechler, Chairman of Sequenom's Board of Directors. "Dirk is a proven leader with a long history at Sequenom, deep scientific knowledge of our products, experience developing and implementing Sequenom's business strategy, and the demonstrated ability to bring our people together to accomplish goals. In the space of only 11 weeks since he was appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, he has established a clear path forward for Sequenom, focusing on entering a new market channel, driving the growth of our newest product, MaterniT® GENOME, and bringing new efficiencies to Sequenom's operations. The company is well positioned to execute on these and other opportunities, and the Board is confident that there is no better leader than Dirk to realize Sequenom's potential."

 Genetics