MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced today that William A. Hawkins, chief executive officer, has been named chairman of the board of directors, effective August 21, 2008, the date of the company’s annual meeting of shareholders. At that time, Arthur D. Collins Jr., chairman of the board, will retire from the board, consistent with the transition plan that was announced in February 2007. Collins has served as board chairman since 2002.
