NEW YORK, NY. - June 3, 2008 - Paradigm Spine, LLC, a developer of innovative non-fusion spinal implant solutions, announced that Christopher P. Hughes has joined the company as President, US. He will be responsible for all US operations, including business development and the completion of the coflex© clinical trial currently under way. Mr. Hughes will report to Marc R. Viscogliosi, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Paradigm Spine.
“I am so pleased that Chris is bringing his proven leadership skills to Paradigm Spine,” said Mr. Viscogliosi. “Our strategic focus is on building a successful US sales business while completing our coflex IDE, two areas where Chris has distinguished himself with his accomplishments.”
Mr. Hughes joins Paradigm Spine from Medtronic Spinal and Biologics, where he was Group Director of Marketing. In his last position, he was responsible for the general management of tissue and biologics. During his tenure at Medtronic, Mr. Hughes led the Maverick Disc IDE, which enrolled 577 patients in just 11 months, producing several superiority claims. He also co-led marketing efforts resulting in revenue growth from $375 million to $2.4 billion in 7 years.
“Paradigm Spine is one of the very few new companies positioned to make a significant impact on the US market,” said Mr. Hughes. “I am extremely impressed with the tremendous surgeon relations it has developed, its indication-specific product portfolio, and the talented management team already in place globally. I am looking forward to being a part of this dynamic team as we enter the US market place.”
John C. Moran, a member of the Paradigm Spine Board of Managers, said, “Chris is the ideal person to lead Paradigm Spine’s push into US sales operations. He has an outstanding sales and marketing track record and combines the operating discipline of a company like Medtronic with the entrepreneurial spirit that has driven Paradigm Spine to where it is today.”
Arthur S. Steffee, MD, retired orthopedic surgeon and inventor, and another member of Paradigm’s Board, added, “Our success to date is due to an emphasis on being ‘surgeon-centric.” Mr. Hughes has embodied that same value throughout his career in spine.”
Prior to Medtronic, Mr. Hughes spent three years as a Senior Product Manager at Smith & Nephew. Before that he was a Product Manager for Wright Medical Technology, a Regional Sales Manager for KLS Martin and a Sales Consultant for DAY Surgical Products. He also served for three years on active duty as a Captain in the United States Army.
Mr. Hughes received his BS in Marketing from The University of Tampa in 1989 and his MBA from Chaminade University in 1997. He has also completed Executive Education programs from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
For more information, please visit: www.paradigmspine.com
