– UK, London – Smith & Nephew plc (LSE:SN / NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology business, today announces the appointment of Namal Nawana as Chief Executive Officer. He will join the Company and be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director on 7 May 2018.
Most recently, Namal was Chief Executive Officer of medical diagnostics company Alere, Inc., where he led the successful turnaround of this global business and oversaw its $5.3 billion acquisition by Abbott in 2017. He joined Alere as Chief Operating Officer in December 2012.
Prior to Alere, Namal spent more than 15 years at Johnson & Johnson, primarily in its Medical Devices & Diagnostics segment, in a number of progressively senior commercial leadership roles across markets including in the USA, Asia and Europe. In 2011 he became Worldwide President of DePuy Synthes Spine, where he oversaw a transformation programme including substantial margin improvement and the integration of Synthes following its acquisition in 2012.
Namal will succeed Olivier Bohuon, who will step down from the Board on 7 May. During his notice period, Olivier will be available in an advisory capacity to provide advice and assistance to Namal in his new role, to help ensure a smooth transition.
Roberto Quarta, Chairman of Smith & Nephew, commented: “In Namal I am delighted that we have secured an exceptional new chief executive with a proven record within the medical device industry. He has the experience as a CEO of a major listed company in the healthcare sector, and has demonstrated that he can energise businesses to deliver better performance and greater value to shareholders. We are looking forward to him joining our Board and driving Smith & Nephew to the next level of success.”
“I would also like to thank Olivier for his service. In his seven years as chief executive, Smith & Nephew has undergone important and necessary change and he has significantly strengthened the foundations of our Company. This has delivered strong value to shareholders, almost doubling the share price and materially outperforming the FTSE100, whilst also increasing the dividend distribution by more than 100%. On behalf of the Board and all of Smith & Nephew I wish him a happy retirement and all the best for the future.”
Namal Nawana commented: “I am passionate about the medical devices industry where I have worked all my life and it is an honour to become the new Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew, a company I greatly admire. I am most excited by its portfolio of innovation which I believe gives an excellent platform from which to drive the business forward into its next exciting chapter.”
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping healthcare professionals improve people’s lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities, Smith & Nephew has around 15,000 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries. Annual sales in 2017 were almost $4.8 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN).
For more information : http://www.smith-nephew.com
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