Former Dey LP CEO and President Mel Engle has found a new home at Petaluma-based Raydiance, Inc.

Raydiance, developer of laser technology used in medical and other sectors, announced that Engle has been named chief executive officer effective May 5.

Engle spent the past six years as the CEO and president of Dey, one Napa’s largest employers, where he played a prominent role in local business and philanthropic efforts. Engle succeeds Raydiance founder Barry Schuler, who will stay on as executive chairman of the board.

The two men share a Napa connection. Schuler, former CEO and chairman of AOL, lives in Napa, co-founded Blue Oak School, co-owns Coombsville’s Meteor Vineyard and is actively involved in a number of local causes.

Raydiance’s laser technology uses ultrashort pulse laser light — extremely brief and powerful light pulses capable of precisely vaporizing virtually any material without generating heat. The technology has applications across multiple industries, including cancer treatment, surgery, gene therapy, cosmetic applications, high-value materials processing, nanotechnology, bioengineering and defense.

Dey is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on products for respiratory, allergy and other breathing disorders. Engle was instrumental in transforming Dey’s business strategy from the development of generic healthcare supplies into branded products, such as EpiPen. Dey sales increased from $250 million in 2002 to more than $600 million in 2007.

“Mel is a consummate operating executive with a very strong track record of rapidly scaling up new companies,” said Schuler. “His experience will be instrumental in growing our infrastructure, supporting more product development and expanding our customer and employee base. I am delighted to be teaming with Mel and look forward to a successful future working together.”

Engle said, “Given the intense interest in Raydiance’s USP laser platform and the company’s rapid expansion over the past year, I’m highly confident in our prospects for continued growth and success in the coming years. I look forward to working with Raydiance’s impressive leadership team, board of directors and talented employees to continue Barry’s vision of bringing the world into the light age.”