CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Helicos BioSciences (NASDAQ:HLCS), a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies, announced today that its board of directors has appointed Steve Lombardi as the company's chief executive officer effective immediately. Lombardi, 53, succeeds Stan Lapidus, 59, who will continue as chairman of the board of Helicos. Lombardi, who will retain the position of president, has served as president and chief operating officer of the company since October 2007.