Tag Archive for: Medtronic

John Lalonde Joins Medtronic Neuromodulation as Vice President, Product Development, Technology and Stimulation Research

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Research and Development, Remote Patient Monitoring at Boston Scientific

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of John Lalonde, an innovative senior medical device executive, to become Vice President, Product Development, Technology and Stimulation Research for Medtronic Neuromodulation. 

Neuromodulation is Medtronic’s second oldest and fourth largest business unit, with products that include neurostimulation systems and implantable drug delivery systems for chronic pain, common movement disorders, and urology and gastrointestinal disorders.

During his tenure at Boston Scientific, Lalonde was responsible for the development of LATITUDE, a cloud-based FDA class III home monitoring system for cardiac patients with wireless medical device implants treating arrhythmias and heart failure.  Previously, LaLonde served as General Manager, Global Engineering, Clinical Systems for GE Healthcare, where he was a global engineering leader of GE’s critical care business unit for neonatal, ICU, and OR patient monitoring and wireless cardiac monitoring systems.

In his new role at Medtronic Diabetes, Lalonde will be serve as the functional leader of Medtronic’s Neuromodulation Business Senior Leadership Team, to drive excellence in product development, technology and stimulation research.

“LaLonde is a talented engineering leader and innovator”, noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “He has a depth of business knowledge and global commercialization experience that extends from value engineering to global customer reach.  He will bring leadership and quality execution to Medtronic’s Neuromodulation portfolio of stimulation and drug delivery solutions.”

LaLonde earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from the University of Minnesota and his Masters in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin.

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Mark Adler Joins Medtronic Diabetes as Director, Research and Development, Sensors Engineering

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President of Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering at GluMetrics

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Adler to become Director, Research and Development, Sensors Engineering for Medtronic Diabetes.

Medtronic Diabetes is the world leader in insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring.

In his most recent role at GluMetrics, Adler was responsible for building the intensive care unit glucose sensor product portfolio for the emerging medical device company.  He has a broad background in breakthrough device development in many different platforms – including coating vascular stents at Devax and creating a new sensor platform at DexCom as Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations and Engineering.  This new role is somewhat of a homecoming, as he was previously the Director of Advanced Engineering at Medtronic AVE.

Mark Adler

In his new role at Medtronic Diabetes, Adler will be responsible for determining and executing the overall strategic technology plan for the sensors development organization, as they help build the next-generation sensors and cutting edge continuous glucose monitoring solutions.

“Adler is a passionate, highly motivated engineering executive with an impressive background in sensor development for the diabetes market” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “He has broad management experience across all functions of a medical device organization and will bring leadership and quality execution to Medtronic Diabetes’ portfolio of continuous glucose monitoring solutions.”

Adler received his Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and his Masters in Business Administration from Argosy University, Seattle.

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Steve McQuillan Joins Medtronic’s AF Solutions as Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs

Life Science Partner recruits former Lead Director of Clinical Affairs at Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management Division.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of clinical affairs executive Steve McQuillan to Medtronic’s Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Division (CRDM), the largest and oldest business unit of the global $13.5 billion medical device company.

With the recent acquisitions of Ablation Frontiers and CryoCath Technologies, the newly formed CRDM Business Unit, AF Solutions, brings breakthrough therapeutic choices and tools to physicians and their patients with atrial fibrillation.

In his most recent role at Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Division, McQuillan was responsible for developing and implementing the CRM and Electrophysiology clinical strategy for all US-based clinical trials.   He had a steady and successful rise through his tenure at the Guidant CRM organization prior joining Boston Scientific.   In his new role, McQuillan will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and overall management of the regulatory and clinical activities for the new atrial fibrillation division.

“McQuillan is a passionate, highly motivated executive with wide-ranging clinical and regulatory experience in the CRM space” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “Along with his strong relationships with Electrophysiology thought-leaders worldwide, he will bring strong clinical development leadership and quality execution to Medtronic’s CRDM Division.”

McQuillan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biometry and Statistics from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

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Mark Johnson to Join Medtronic Emergency Response Systems as Vice President of Operations

Life Science Partner recruits expert in operations and supply-chain management

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Johnson to become vice president of operations for Redwood, Washington-based Medtronic Emergency Response Systems (ERS).  In this role, Johnson will lead a team of 300, including 125 in manufacturing, who are building Medtronic’s lifesaving LIFEPAK defibrillator/monitors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).  An innovator in the field, Medtronic ERS is on the forefront of integrating information technology and AED devices to advance the performance and benefits for improved patient survival.

Johnson has considerable experience with supply chain management and the turnaround of manufacturing operations.  He joins Medtronic ERS from Philips Consumer, with responsibility for transitioning Sonicare oral health products from a U.S.-focused organization to a world leader, with a global supply chain system to match its sales ambitions.  Using a data-driven system, Johnson was able to introduce an outsourcing program to reduce costs while increasing diversity in the product lines.

“We have found that consumer goods companies, particularly in electronically-driven appliances, hone operational skill sets not typically found in the medical device industry,” noted Cindi Roberts, vice president, Life Science Partner.  “Mark provides Medtronic with the high-quality, low-cost manufacturing and sourcing leadership that we did not find when we examined prospective candidates from its medical device competitors.”

Previously, Johnson was a leader in the manufacturing contractors Integrex and Flextronics.  As the general manager of the Chatham facility, Johnson eliminated a significant work backlog for a client who was threatening to terminate their contract due to non-performance.  He honed his operational skills at Metawave, a cellular infrastructure company, and Motorola.  By joining Medtronic ERS, Johnson now leads the AED operations team in the world’s leading medical device company.

Johnson received his BS in Mechanical Engineering at University of Washington and is a graduate of their MBA program.

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Andy Lux to Join Medtronic Sofamor Danek as General Manager, Warsaw Operations

Life Science Partner recruits a general manager and manufacturing operations expert from Baxter Healthcare

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Andrew (Andy) Lux to become general manager of operations for the Medtronic Sofamor Danek Warsaw facilities. Medtronic Sofamor Danek is a leading orthopaedic company and the fast growing division of Medtronic, Inc. 

The Company develops and manufactures products that treat a variety of disorders of the cranium and spine with worldwide sales reaching approximately $2 B and growing at  17%.  Lux will lead the 600-employee operation in Warsaw, Indiana, that manufactures spinal implants which are approximately 55% of the products manufactured within the Company.

Lux has considerable experience with the turnaround of manufacturing operations.  He joins Medtronic Sofamor Danek from Baxter Healthcare where he had worldwide responsibilities for the renal and transfusion product lines, including 5,000 employees in seven plants and $750 mm in cost of goods.

“Andy is highly qualified to run a complex manufacturing operation,” noted Cindi Roberts, vice president, Life Science Partner.  “Most importantly, he knows business and will make a great partner with Peter Wehrly as their business continues to grow exponentially.”

To some degree this role is a homecoming for Lux, as he was previously vice president of operations and research and development for Medtronic’s cardiac surgery division.  His general management skills were recognized when he became CEO of Biomec, a pacing leads company.  Earlier, he was vice president and general manager of the x-ray division of Picker International and vice president of operations of Johnson and Johnson’s Advanced Sterilization Products.  Other leadership roles at major corporations include Diasonics, Resonex and GE Medical Systems Business Group.

Lux earned his BS, Metallurgical Engineering at Cleveland State University, and his MS and Doctor of Science at MIT.  He received his MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve.

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Hal Mathews, MD to Become VP Medical Affairs for Medtronic Sofamor Danek

To Lead Clinical, Regulatory, Reimbursement Strategy and Physician Relations

Life Science Partner announced today the recruitment of Hallet H. Mathews, MD, to become vice president, medical affairs for Medtronic Sofamor Danek. 

Medtronic Sofamor Danek is the world’s leading orthopaedic company which develops and manufactures products that treat a variety of disorders of the cranium and spine, including traumatically induced conditions, degenerative conditions, deformities and tumors.  Medtronic Sofamor Danek markets its products worldwide and has FY2003 revenue of approximately $1.3 billion.

A leader in the field orthopaedic basic and clinical research, Mathews is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon.  He is the Founder and President of MidAtlantic Spine Specialists, a multi-disciplinary, multi-specialty group that incorporates Orthopaedic, Neurosurgery and Pain Management & Rehabilitation specialties in Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia.

“He is a demonstrated clinical leader and general manager – as he now oversees a 10,000 square foot clinic with 45 employees in Richmond and a smaller clinic facility in Williamsburg,” said Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  â€śIn addition, he has already established strong relationships with the Sofamor Danek clinical investigators worldwide, having participated in and led clinical trials for many of Medtronic’s products.”

In his new role, Mathews will oversee clinical development and regulatory affairs for the Company, with an emphasis on working with business units to identify potential drug or device technologies with strong clinical indications, managing the regulatory strategy globally and overseeing Medtronic Sofamor Danek’s relationships with physicians worldwide.

  Medtronic Sofamor Danek is the leader in the use of biological materials, including the first product using a bioengineered bone morphogenetic protein, INFUSE, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with titanium interbody implants in the lumbar spine.

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Medtronic Emergency Response Systems Selects Ken Olson to Lead Research and Development

Life Science Partner recruits research and development pioneer in the external defibrillator field

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Ken Olson, as vice president for research and development of Redwood-based Medtronic Emergency Response Systems. In this role, Olson will lead the team of 140 developing Medtronic’s lifesaving LIFEPAK defibrillator/monitors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).  An innovator in the field, Medtronic ERS is on the forefront of integrating information technology and AED devices to advance the performance and benefits for improved patient survival.

Olson is well-positioned to lead this team, as he developed many of the industry’s innovations at Survivalink Corporation and its successor, Cardiac Science.  .  During these 13 years, he led small and large teams to pioneer AED development with specifications of reduced cost, increasing reliability and functionality, and well-defined, customer-focused benefits.  Olson joins Medtronic from Masimo Corporation, the leading oximeter company,  where he was vice president of the OEM business.

“Ken is a home run,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “He is the acknowledged scientific and developmental leader in the field.  Most importantly, however, is that he’s an excellent manager and communicator – working effectively with other leaders, customers and investors to produce market-leading innovation.”

At Survivalink Olson co-founded the company with two partners with the concept of developing an AED for police and first-responders.  Working originally in their basement, the entrepreneurs produced the first AED that became a standard for simple use and reliability.  The company was sold to Cardiac Science in 2001, and Olson continued to lead as chief technology officer, building an increasing interface with customers.  With the company’s sale to Quinton, he joined Masimo.  At Medtronic, Olson will now lead the AED R&D team in the world’s leading medical device company.

Olson is a graduate University of Minnesota, with a BS in Electrical Engineering.  He earned his MBA at the Carlson School of Management.

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Medtronic Hires Kathy Lewis As A Clinical Information Solutions Director

Life Science Partner places IT product development and customer service expert in lead technology role

Life Science Partner announces the placement of Kathy Lewis, MPH, as director for Paceart and clinic practice management solutions at Medtronic, Inc. in Minneapolis.

In this new position, Lewis will lead market analysis and strategic planning efforts, oversee customer relationships, and guide the integration of the company’s Paceart solution with complementary clinical workflow products. Medtronic is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. Paceart’s scheduling, analysis, device monitoring and other features help healthcare professionals deliver care to arrhythmia patients.

“Kathy is a healthcare IT veteran who has also excelled as a solution-based manager,” says Thomas H. Callaway, Life Science Partner’s founder and president. “At healthcare software start-up Abaton.com, she was responsible for some of the company’s first installations. Her continued success at McKesson demonstrates her effectiveness as a manager, customer service advocate, and both ambulatory and inpatient workflow expert.”

An experienced clinical information technology executive, Lewis complements her product development process knowledge with particularly strong customer skills.

Lewis comes to Medtronic from McKesson Information Solutions. As director of client services there, she led pricing, implementation planning, system transition and ROI evaluation for major new product families. Also previously vice president of product management for the company’s iMcKesson division, she managed a staff of 45 and held responsibility for design, documentation and quality assurance of web-based clinical systems.

Previously, Lewis was director of client services at Abaton.com, managing implementation, training and quality assurance efforts for laboratory, prescription and charting systems. During the company’s acquisition by McKesson, she guided the client services organization’s transition.

Her corporate career began at HealthPartners Medical Group, where Lewis managed a wide range of strategic and operational information systems initiatives.

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Greg Vaughn Selected To Lead Key Business Unit For Medtronic Sofamor Danek

Life Science Partner places business-savvy surgeon to manage promising new interventional spine therapy division.

Life Science Partner announces the placement of Gregory J. Vaughn, MD, as general manager of the new interventional spine business unit, at Medtronic Sofamor Danek, a subsidiary of Medtronic.

In his new role for the early-stage spinal therapy division, Dr. Vaughn assumes leadership over strategic planning, technology and competitive assessment, operations, research and development, sales and marketing, and finance. Medtronic Sofamor Danek develops and manufactures a variety of products for use in treating spinal and cranial disorders.


“Greg’s accomplishments make him an excellent choice to grow this high-potential division within a well established medical products company,” says Thomas H. Callaway, Life Science Partner’s founder and president. “His clinical knowledge as a surgeon and his experience in organizational performance will help him lead this division in pursuing
innovative therapies for spinal health and reconstruction.”


With Dr. Vaughn’s arrival at one of Medtronic Sofamor Danek’s key new business units, the company gains an informed, strategic thinker with exceptional collaborative and organizational talents. And Dr. Vaughn’s experience as a maxillofacial and ophthalmic surgeon lends him a deeper understanding of the medical community’s concerns.


Dr. Vaughn comes to Medtronic Sofamor Danek from NDCHealth, where, as vice president and general manager for the company’s point-of-service pharmacy information systems division, he oversaw a $100-million-revenue business and more than 200 managers in four locations. He was originally recruited to NDCHealth as vice president of strategy and planning. In that capacity, he guided the chief executive and the board through the development of a five-year corporate plan.


With McKinsey & Company as engagement manager, he led a range of cross-industry business consulting projects for clients such as Wake Forest University, Duke University, Skanska and CIBA Vision/Novartis. His assignments included organizational efficiency improvement at Wake’s technology transfer office, supply chain cost reduction for Duke, talent identification and retention for Skanska, and strategic integration plans for CIBA Vision.

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Medtronic Selects Lothar Krinke to Direct Biotechnology Initiatives

Life Science Partner placement offers valuable experience in technology and commercialization assessment

Life Science Partner announces the placement of Lothar Krinke, PhD, as senior director of biosciences technology development for Minneapolis-based Medtronic, Inc. In this new role, Krinke will lead new technology assessment efforts and manage relationships with key external partner institutions. Krinke will also collaborate with Medtronic’s regulatory, clinical and marketing teams to analyze business opportunities in biotechnology and gauge the feasibility of related research programs.

Krinke comes to Medtronic with 13 years of experience in evaluating new medical technologies and lines of business. As a consultant and, more recently, with early stage biotechnology firms, he has demonstrated his ability to assess complex technologies for their commercial potential.

Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, has more than $7 billion in annual revenues.

“With Lothar, Medtronic is gaining a rare combination of applied experience, broad collaboration with companies in the life sciences, and a consultant’s systematic approach to recommending action,” says Life Science Partner Vice President Cynthia B. Roberts. “He will prove a valuable addition to Medtronic’s biotechnology team.”

Prior to Medtronic, Krinke helped found Endogeny Bio Corp. and served as its vice president of business development. He held responsibility for licensing, contracting, intellectual property development and business planning.

Krinke also founded a consulting firm, Biostrategic Solutions, which offers strategic analysis and planning services to biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical products companies.

At Celera Genomics previously, Krinke was vice president and chief business officer of Celera Online, in which capacity he led the commercial operations of the company’s information business, including marketing, proposals and contracts, client programs, bioinformatics solutions and product strategy. In an earlier position at Celera Genomics, as vice president of business development and strategic planning, Krinke was responsible for strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and licensing. He identified and successfully acquired Axys Pharmaceuticals at that time.

Over ten years as a consultant with McKinsey & Company and, later, A.T. Kearney, Krinke served biopharmaceutical, genomics, medical products and other life sciences companies. His work involved technical assessment and financial valuation, licensing strategy, e-business strategy, corporate transactions and post-merger integration planning, and R&D and commercialization strategy.

Krinke was an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Research Fellow and a Procter & Gamble Postdoctoral Fellow at the California Institute of Technology. He earned his doctorate in molecular biology at the University at Albany, State University of New York. He holds an undergraduate degree in biology from Technische Universität Braunschweig in Germany.

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