Covidien promotes Hanson to group president role | Personnel Moves

Covidien (NYSE:COV) said today that it promoted its medical device unit’s president, Bryan Hanson, to be group president effective Oct. 1.

The new title gives Hanson oversight of all Covidien’s businesses, according to a press release.

"Bryan is a proven global leader who has deep experience in our industry and will help advance our company in delivering new value, products and capabilities to our customers and patients around the world," chairman, president & CEO José Almeida said in prepared remarks. "This new organizational structure addresses important business requirements while positioning Covidien for the future."

 Stryker names CEO Lobo as chairman
Stryker (NYSE:SYK) said it made president & CEO Kevin Lobo chairman of the board effective today, with non-executive chairman William Parfet moving to lead independent director.

"On behalf of the entire board, we are excited about the outlook for Stryker and the leadership demonstrated by Kevin with our employees, customers and shareholders which is the driving force behind today’s announcement," Parfet said in prepared remarks. "We believe the company is well-positioned to build on our history while continuing to adapt to the changing needs of the healthcare market place."
Read more

 Boston Scientific vet Barry is InspireMD’s new COO
InspireMD (OTC:NSPR) said it named James Barry, a former Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) executive who helped lead the development of the Taxus and Synergy stents there, as its new chief operating officer.
Read more

 iStar Medical names ex-Reva GM Vanbrabant as CEO
iStar Medical said it named Michel Vanbrabant as CEO, replacing founder and former CEO Michel Alvarez, who "has left the company to pursue other career opportunities," according to a press release.
Read more

 Zimmer CSO Blanchard takes the reins at MicroChips

MicroChips Inc. yesterday said it named former Zimmer (NYSE:ZMH) chief scientific officer Cheryl Blanchard to be its new CEO; interim CEO Bradley Paddock is moving on to become general manager of Stryker Spine, according to a press release.
Read more

• Zynex names Alleman as new CFO
• Ex-Hemispherx CFO is Echo Therapeutics’ new finance chief
• Nonin Medical taps ex-Medtronic exec Keswani for marketing veep
• Pardos named international EVP at Cutera