TransEnterix (NYSE:TRXC) last week said it promoted Anthony Fernando to president and CEO, effective Nov. 8.

Fernando previously served as the company’s chief operating officer and chief technology officer. He succeeds Todd Pope who is stepping down from his role as president and CEO and will serve as a senior advisor to the company.

“We would like to thank Todd for his leadership and contributions to TransEnterix since joining the company as its CEO in 2008. Under his vision and guidance, the company acquired and advanced the Senhance System, received multiple regulatory approvals and clearances, including FDA clearance of the Senhance System, launched in key markets around the world and is well-positioned for future success,” chairman of the board Paul LaViolette said in a news release. “We have confidence in Anthony and his ability to lead the company going forward. his leadership has been instrumental in the evolution of the Sentence System, the development of the digital surgical platform architecture, the acquisition of the MST technology and our plans to incorporate these valuable technology assets into the company’s products. He has also played a key role in spearheading the development of the organization’s strategic priorities, and we believe his broad medical device and global leadership experience will be highly valuable during the next phase in the company’s journey.”

Fernando has more than 15 years of experience in driving business growth through innovation in healthcare companies, according to TransEnterix. Prior to joining the company, Fernando was VP of innovation and technology in the international group at Stryker and held numerous leadership positions at Becton, Dickinson, R&D Devices and Global Health, PerkinElmer and Varian.

“I have a strong belief in the technology and the team we have assembled at TransEnterix. The Senhance System has a unique role to play as we bring digital laparoscopy to the fast-growing surgical robotics market,” Fernando said. “I will work diligently to realize the promise of this technology and grow our value in the future. I look forward to working closely with our team and the board of directors executing on our refocused strategy as we digitize the interface between surgeons and patients.”