Merit Medical Systems (Nasdaq:MMSI) has appointed Martha Aronson as its next president and CEO, effective Oct. 3, 2025.
Founder Fred Lampropoulos will remain chair of the board after he steps down as CEO on the same date. The company’s former president, Joseph Wright, resigned in December 2024. The South Jordan, Utah–based company makes and distributes disposable medical devices used in a wide variety of interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
“I believe the company has never been in a stronger position. Martha is uniquely qualified to lead Merit into the future and drive its continued success. Her keen intellect and proven track record of empowering global teams through collaborative excellence, consistent with “The Merit Way,” makes her the ideal leader for Merit’s next stage of growth,” Lampropoulos said in a news release.
Aronson has led global healthcare businesses with revenues ranging from $500 million to $1 billion, including roles as EVP and president of global healthcare at Ecolab and president for North America at Hill-Rom. She spent nearly 20 years at Medtronic and serves on several corporate boards, most recently as a director and former chair at Conmed.
“I am excited to join [Merit Medical] and truly honored to take on this role,” said Aronson. “Fred has built and grown an extraordinary company over the past four decades, starting with one single idea and building it into the incredibly successful global company that it is today. Working with the talented team at Merit, I look forward to building upon his remarkable legacy and leading the company into a future of continued excellence and innovation.”
Lead independent director F. Ann Millner said the Merit Medical board chose Aronson after “a meticulous selection process,” citing her global expertise and industry knowledge.
Said Millner: “On behalf of Merit’s Board of Directors, we extend our deepest appreciation to Fred Lampropoulos for his 38 years of leadership and dedication to Merit. Fred is a visionary leader committed to medical innovation, employee well-being, and community involvement. His foundation of The Merit Way will continue to inspire and guide the company for years to come. Equally admirable is Fred’s philanthropic work, reflecting his deep dedication to the well-being of others. As Merit’s founder, he has advanced patient care and significantly improved health outcomes worldwide. Fred’s genuine leadership reaches beyond the workplace and has touched communities around the globe.”
