Richard Sears has joined Beckman Instruments to...

Richard Sears has joined Beckman Instruments to succeed Jack Hart, who retires Jan. 2 as vice president of personnel. Sears, a former Beckman employee, was previously chief personnel officer for the Irvine Co. and Avery International. Hart retires after 38 years with the Fullerton-based manufacturer of laboratory instruments, test kits and research supplies.