IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edwards Lifesciences Corporation , a world leader in products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular disease, today announced the company’s strengthened alignment into a business unit organizational structure, along with the planned departure in the middle of 2008 of corporate officers Anita B. Bessler, Stuart L. Foster, and Alex Martin.
“To support our growth strategy, we have recently made product portfolio changes and increased investment in our market-leading businesses. As a result, we can now further our evolution into customer-focused business units and simplify our organization,” said Michael A. Mussallem, Edwards’ chairman and CEO. “We express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Anita, Stu and Alex for their significant contributions to Edwards over the years. Consistent with our Credo, they have served as trusted partners with patients, employees, customers and shareholders to provide innovative solutions for people fighting cardiovascular disease.”
Bessler, who joined the company in 1988 and led the growth of Edwards’ heart valve business into its current position as the global market leader, will continue in an ongoing advisory role with Edwards.
Foster, who joined the company in 1994 and served as the company’s technology leader and oversaw the development and growth of the critical care and vascular businesses, will also continue in an ongoing advisory role with Edwards.
Martin, who joined Edwards in 2004, plans to pursue other opportunities upon his departure. He oversaw the development and expansion of the company’s North American sales and marketing organization, Edwards’ largest operating region.
As a result of the operational integration announced today, corporate officers Donald E. Bobo, Jr., Paul C. Redmond, Carlyn D. Solomon, and Larry L. Wood will assume management of additional U.S. sales, marketing and operational functions within their business units, and will report directly to Mussallem. In addition, corporate officer Corinne H. Lyle will undertake additional global responsibilities.
About Edwards Lifesciences
Edwards Lifesciences, a leader in advanced cardiovascular disease treatments, is the number-one heart valve company in the world and the global leader in acute hemodynamic monitoring. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Edwards focuses on specific cardiovascular disease states including heart valve disease, vascular disease and critical care technologies. The company’s global brands, which are sold in approximately 100 countries, include Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, FloTrac, Fogarty, PERIMOUNT Magna and Swan-Ganz. Additional company information can be found at http://www.edwards.com.
Edwards is a trademark of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. Edwards Lifesciences, Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, FloTrac, Fogarty, PERIMOUNT Magna and Swan-Ganz are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
CONTACT: Media, Sarah Huoh, +1-949-250-5070, or Investors, David K.
Erickson, +1-949-250-6826, both of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Web site: http://www.edwards.com/
