The company first shared the news of the shifts atop certain business units in its fourth-quarter earnings report yesterday.
Sean Salmon, who spent more than two decades at Medtronic, is departing. The medtech giant said in its most recent SEC filing that Salmon will remain an employee of the company until Sept. 2, 2025. He is entitled to and will receive severance payments and benefits consistent with the company’s practices.
Most recently, Salmon served as EVP and president of the company’s Cardiovascular portfolio. He previously led Cardiovascular and Diabetes as president before shifting his focus to just Cardiovascular in 2022.
“We are grateful to Sean for his more than 20 years of dedication to serving our Medtronic Mission – and for leading our Cardiovascular portfolio in developing some of the most exciting new technologies that are making an impact in the market today and accelerating our Cardiovascular growth,” said CEO Geoff Martha.
Brett Wall, EVP and president of Medtronic Neuroscience, added on LinkedIn that Salmon delivered “two decades of transformative impact” at the company.
“Sean has been a visionary leader, driving growth in competitive markets and helping define new therapeutic frontiers,” Wall wrote. “We’re grateful for all he’s contributed to Medtronic and to our mission.”
Who replaces Salmon at Medtronic?
After four years as SVP and President of Medtronic’s Cranial & Spinal Therapies business, Skip Kiil moves into Salmon’s role to lead Cardiovascular.
Kiil takes on the role of EVP and president of Cardiovascular, effective immediately. He reports to Martha and becomes a member of the company’s Executive Committee.
“Skip’s appointment comes at an exciting time for our Cardiovascular businesses,” Martha said. “His global mindset, and proven track record of commercialization and market development will support our strong Cardiovascular team in further advancing the impact and momentum of these exciting therapies. Skip will be a great addition to both the Medtronic Executive Committee and our Cardiovascular leadership team.”
Medtronic said Kiil led CST through significant evolution. The company said he advanced surgical innovation, accelerated digital strategy through AiBLE and laid the foundation for long-term growth. [Medtronic’s CST business is one of the businesses featured in our Orthopedic Device Companies Special Report. Download it for free here.]
Wall labeled Kiil a “catalyst for growth, transformation and talent development.” He said his promotion reflects the progress made under Kiil’s leadership.
Kiil said in a post on LinkedIn: “After four incredible years leading our Cranial & Spinal Therapies business, I’m honored to begin the next chapter as the leader of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. … The road ahead is bright. Let’s keep innovating for our patients, who are counting on us to deliver on our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life.”
Kiil’s successor is lined up, too
Following Kiil’s move to Cardiovascular, Medtronic appointed Michael Carter as SVP and president of CST.
The company said Carter brings more than two decades of medtech experience to the post. He most recently served within CST as the VP/GM of Spine & Biologics.
Medtronic said Carter offers deep commercial and operational expertise, a strong track record of driving growth and a “clear commitment to delivering” for the company’s customers. The company labeled him “exactly the right person to lead CST into its next chapter.”
“I’m excited to see Michael Carter elevate CST even further,” Kiil said. “His sharp vision, passion, and focus on execution position the Neuroscience Portfolio, and Medtronic, to reach new heights.”
Wall said Carter is a seasoned medtech executive, bringing years of experience in commercial, operational and general management roles.
“I am confident Carter is the right leader for CST — now and into the future,” Wall said. “As he steps into this broader role, I have no doubt he will continue to bring the same clarity, energy and commitment across the CST organization.”
