NuVasive named J. Christopher Barry as its new CEO, effective Nov. 5.
Here are five things to know:
1. Mr. Barry will succeed Gregory T. Lucier, who will remain as chairman of the board.
2. Mr. Barry has experience in medical device company leadership. He is senior vice president and president of Surgical Innovations, a $5.5 billion business unit with Medtronic. He provides strategic direction to 14,000 employees working in 78 countries in his current role.
"Succession planning is one of the most important responsibilities for a board of directors of a publicly traded company, and we take those responsibilities seriously," said Dan Rosenberg, lead independent director of NuVasive's board. "Through our comprehensive recruitment efforts, we were impressed with Chris's expertise in the medical device industry, and feel his strong reputation as a skilled and strategic operator, along with his innate passion and business know-how, will enable him to continue NuVasive's transformation of spine surgery, adding tremendous value as he leads NuVasive into the future."
3. In his current role, Mr. Barry drove core growth in Surgical Innovations as well as made acquisitions to diversify the business. He oversaw the development of the company's robotics initiative and previously held leadership roles with Covidien.
4. NuVasive also promoted Executive Vice President of Strategy, Technology and Corporate Development Matt Link to president of the company. Mr. Link joined NuVasive in 2006 and has been responsible for building the U.S. commercial organization.
5. As board chairman, Mr. Lucier will remain involved in the company's strategic direction and support Mr. Barry and Mr. Link during the leadership transition.