Stein, while based in Toronto, Canada, will be tasked with overseeing the domestic and international sectors for the company, as well as working with Vital Alert partners to grow its business and expand its market presence.

“Andy brings a wealth of experience to Vital Alert in mining, mine technologies, tunneling and communications,” chief executive officer Michael Homer said.

Part of that expertise was gained while working extensively with commercial partners while in his previous posts at Northern Light Technologies and Active Control Technology.

“His ability to apply new technology to real world environments will be invaluable as Vital Alert brings its industry leading through-the-earth communication products to market,” Homer said.

Stein’s appointment as director was effective May 1.

Vital Alert’s CanaryLink TTE device acts as a stand-alone system or links to existing communication infrastructure and can be used for everyday as well as emergency communication needs.

Also, when traditional wired communication methods are severed and not easily repaired, CanaryLink permits a successful backup link between underground and surface crews.

An intrinsically safe version of the system is under Mine Safety and Health Administration review.