With Wall’s departure, the company selected Dr. Kweli Thompson to assume the role of EVP and president of Neuroscience. Thompson, whose appointment goes into effect on June 1, currently serves as SVP and president of Cardiac Rhythm Management.
Medtronic said in an SEC filing that Wall will remain an employee of the company until Sept. 1, 2026, to assist with the transition. He remains entitled to severance payments and benefits outlined in Medtronic’s 2025 Proxy Statement, as detailed at Medical Design & Outsourcing.
The Medtronic Neuroscience portfolio includes five separate operating units: Neuromodulation, Cranial & Spinal Technologies, Neurovascular, Pelvic Health and Ear, Nose and Throat. Together, the units generate more than $8 billion in annual revenue, employing approximately 15,000 employees worldwide.
More about Brett Wall and his time at Medtronic
Wall took over that portfolio in 2020. He previously served as VP of the legacy Brain Therapies division within the Neuroscience portfolio. Wall joined Medtronic through its landmark acquisition of Covidien, where he served as president of Neurovascular and International. There, he managed all commercial activities and functions of the business.
Other past roles include SVP and president of Neurovascular and SVP and president of International at ev3. He also served as VP, marketing, for the Neurovascular and Peripheral Vascular divisions at Micro Therapeutic before it merged with ev3. Additionally, Wall held the role of director of marketing for Cardiovascular, Asia Pacific, at Boston Scientific, as well as the post of marketing manager in Japan. He also held positions of increasing responsibility at C.R. Bard.
Wall’s departure comes at a time of change at Medtronic, which recently announced the combination of two major business units and the closure of a facility in California.
He also follows a handful of significant figures to depart Medtronic in recent years, including the recent switch by Jason Weidman, who was SVP and president of Coronary and Renal Denervation at Medtronic, but was named CEO at Teleflex recently.
Other noteworthy departures include Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Ken Washington, and EVP and President of Cardiovascular, Sean Salmon, last year, following EVP and Medical Surgical President Bob White and CFO Karen Parkhill in 2024.
Commentary from Brett Wall
Wall took to LinkedIn to share his thoughts on leaving Medtronic shortly after the company published its SEC filing:
“After over 25 years, I’ll be leaving Medtronic in early July. It’s been a privilege to be part of an organization so deeply committed to advancing patient care and to have had the opportunity to lead the Neuroscience portfolio during a period of meaningful growth and evolution.
“Our teams have driven strong progress across the portfolio, from advancing innovation in neuromodulation, including adaptive therapies, to strengthening our leadership in spine and neurosurgery, to expanding access to life-changing stroke interventions. Today, we have assumed leadership positions across each of the Neuroscience categories in which we compete, reflecting the focus and commitment of teams around the world.
“We’ve also made bold decisions to evolve the portfolio by investing in new capabilities, funding critical clinical evidence, and positioning Neuroscience for long-term impact. What I’m most proud of is the team, thousands of colleagues globally committed to tackling some of the most complex neurological conditions, united by a deep sense of purpose and accountability to patients.
“Neuroscience remains central to Medtronic’s legacy and to its future. As care becomes more connected, adaptive, and intelligent, this portfolio is uniquely positioned to help lead the next era of medtech, bringing together devices, data, and AI-enabled capabilities to transform how patients are treated and supported over time. I have tremendous confidence in the team and in what comes next for Neuroscience.
“To my colleagues, partners, and friends across Medtronic, thank you. It has been an honor to work alongside you.
“To the Neuroscience team, I look forward to celebrating your many accomplishments when the leadership team is together next month. My message to all of you is to keep going. The opportunity ahead is significant, and the impact you will continue to make for patients around the world is extraordinary.”
