Medigus Ltd. (TASE:MDGS), which develops endoscopy-based surgical procedures and technologies, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Christopher (Chris) Rowland as CEO.
Rowland, a Medigus director since March 2013, will replace Dr. Elazar Sonnenschein, the company's founder and current CEO. The appointment is subject to approval by the company's shareholders, who will convene next month.
Dr. Sonnenschein will become global chief operating officer, and will assist in handing the reins to Rowland. As global COO, Dr. Sonnenschein will be responsible for operations, manufacturing and R&D.
Medigus chairman Dr. Nissim Darvish said, “Chris possesses deep knowledge, expertise and rich experience in leading medical device companies to commercial and financial success. As we expand globally and enhance our sales and marketing infrastructure, we believe that his experience will take us to the next phase in our development - the introduction of our flagship product, the SRS, both in our US target market, in Europe, and globally, positioning the company as a world leader in the field of minimally-invasive procedures for gastroenterology and other surgical procedures."
Rowland said, "Medigus offers advanced technological solutions, wonderful talent and a robust infrastructure for future growth. These competitive advantages will support our vision to become an innovative market leader in the minimally invasive medical markets. Our goal is to establish the SRS system as an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures and continue to build Medigus as a global innovative company in the field of endoscopy and gastroenterology."
Mr. Rowland, 51, has 24 years’ experience in the life sciences market, specifically in the medical device and non-invasive medicine sectors. From 2006-2009, he served as president Americas Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN). Previously he served 17 years in positions of increasing responsibility at Boston Scientific Corp., including country manager for Israel and global vice president of marketing for the Endoscopy division. Most recently, Mr. Rowland served as CEO of NeoTract, Inc. and president of IntraPace, Inc.
Medigus is at the forefront of the transition from invasive gastric surgery procedures to advanced minimally invasive treatment techniques, particularly with regard to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is increasing in global prevalence. The company’s SRS system allows treatment of chronic reflux by means of a one-time endoscopic procedure, which restores the patient's health and quality of life.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 13, 2013
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