Erik Saarmaa

Erik Saarmaa possesses extensive experience in intellectual property and strategic initiatives, currently serving as an Adviser at Oax Health since July 2018 and as a Member of the Board of Trustees at Newport Art Museum since June 2022. From July 2013 to July 2024, Erik served as Chief IP Counsel at MKS Instruments. Previous roles include Partner and Counsel at Pierce Atwood from March 2010 to June 2013, and Attorney at Proskauer Rose LLP from March 2004 to March 2010. Erik's early career includes positions as a Technology Specialist at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, LLP, and as Director of Intellectual Property and Strategic Initiatives at Cymer, Inc. Notably, Erik held the position of Vice-President of Research & Development at Active Control eXperts, Inc., an MIT start-up acquired for $21 million. Erik's educational background includes a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and advanced degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.