Reeve-Stoffer, who most recently served as COO, succeeds Lara Barghout in the corner office at Recor, an Otsuka portfolio company. As CEO, she will continue to lead the company’s development and commercialization efforts for the Paradise ultrasound renal denervation (uRDN) system for treating uncontrolled hypertension.
Barghout had served as CEO at the Palo Alto, California-based company since 2023. Recor did not share the reason for her departure or any details on her next destination. Otsuka. SVP, corporate strategy and IP, Christian Bell, had been serving as interim CEO since February of this year, according to his LinkedIn page.
Reeve-Stoffer, meanwhile, brings 25 years of experience in medtech to the CEO post at Recor, including more than 13 years with the company. Before taking over as COO, she served as Recor’s VP of clinical affairs and later chief clinical officer. She led the company’s global clinical trial program, which resulted in the first-ever FDA approval for renal denervation technology in 2023.
The company describes Reeve-Stoffer as a “driving force” in the development, testing and commercialization of Paradise.
Paradise denervates the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries. This lowers blood pressure by reducing the overactivity that can lead to hypertension. The technology delivers two to three doses of 360-degree ultrasound energy, lasting seven seconds each. The energy travels through each of the main renal arteries to the surrounding nerves. Its catheter features the Recor HydroCooling system that circulates sterile water during the procedure to protect the renal artery wall.
Recor and Paradise compete against the likes of the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral system in the RDN market. Boston Scientific also entered the space with its acquisition of SoniVie last year.
Commentary from Recor Medical and Otsuka leadership
Reeve-Stoffer said:
“It has been an incredible privilege to be part of Recor’s journey for more than a decade, transforming an ambitious vision into an FDA-approved therapy changing the way hypertension is treated. As CEO, I am honored to lead Recor’s remarkable team into our next chapter, and am passionate about continuing our commitment to innovation and scientific excellence that will help patients live longer, healthier lives.”
Noriko Tojo, president and representative director of Otsuka Medical Devices, said:
“Helen is the right leader for Recor at this stage of its growth. Her tenure at the company, providing unwavering direction during many pivotal moments, combined with her collaborative approach to leadership makes her the ideal person to lead Recor forward.”
Bell added:
“It has been my pleasure to work alongside Helen for the past several months and provide support during the leadership transition. Helen brings a strong combination of deep experience, unparalleled insight and inspirational leadership that will accelerate Recor’s mission to reach more physicians and patients looking for another way to treat uncontrolled hypertension.”
