Medtronic Board of Directors announces appointment of Omar Ishrak as Chairman and CEO

Medtronic Inc recently declared that its Board of Directors has named Omar Ishrak as the company’s new chairman and CEO, effective June 13, 2011.

Ishrak had formerly served as president and CEO of GE Healthcare Systems. He was also a senior vice president of GE Corporation and a member of the GE Corporate Executive Council.

“We are delighted to welcome Omar Ishrak as Medtronic’s chairman and CEO,” said Ken Powell, Lead Independent Director, Medtronic Board of Directors. “Omar is an  enormously talented executive with a truly global perspective and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth in the medical technology industry. We are confident that he has the leadership credentials and experience to move the company forward, advancing its position as the world leader in the development and application of medical technology to address the global challenges of chronic disease.” 

“I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead Medtronic – a great company with a renowned, mission based heritage of saving and improving lives,” said Ishrak. “I have admired Medtronic for many years and believe the company’s 60 year history of innovation, unparalleled global footprint and unmatched capabilities present enormous opportunities to improve the health of millions of people worldwide. I look forward to working with the Medtronic team to continue to advance the company as a global healthcare leader,” he added.