Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN) said today that CEO Olivier Bohuon plans to remain “actively involved” in running the British healthcare giant during his treatment for a “highly treatable” type of cancer.
The treatment, to include chemotherapy, is slated to begin later this month, Smith & Nephew said.
Chairman Roberto Quarto will provide executive oversight if necessary as part of its provisional governance procedures, the company said.
“Olivier has set a clear strategy that is invigorating Smith & Nephew’s growth profile. I am confident that Olivier and his team will continue to execute the plan successfully. Our thoughts are with him as he undergoes treatment,” Quarta said in prepared remarks.
Bohuon is still slated to present Smith & Nephew’s 4th-quarter and 2015 results Feb. 4, the company said.
Last year, Cardiovascular Systems (NSDQ:CSII) revealed that CEO David Martin was also diagnosed with cancer. Martin took a 3-month leave beginning Dec. 1 to undergo further treatment, including chemotherapy. Prism Medical (TSX:PM) chairman & CEO Andrew McIntyre took a 6-month leave of absence for chemotherapy following his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma late last year, with vice chairman John Charles named interim CEO.
Just last week, Cerner (NSDQ:CERN) CEO Neal Patterson said he was diagnosed with a curable soft tissue cancer and planned to start treatment immediately. Patterson said he would stay involved in the business, but travel less and attend fewer meetings while receiving treatment. There was no evidence of the cancer elsewhere in his body, he said in a Jan. 25 note to shareholders.
Material from Reuters was used in this report.
