August 12, 2019 | For Immediate Release
Bannockburn, IL (August 12, 2019) – Avalign Technologies, Inc. (“Avalign”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff McCaulley as CEO and member of the Board of Directors effective August 19, 2019. Mr. McCaulley brings over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, having most recently served as the President of DJO Surgical, where he helped to build one of the fastest growing companies in shoulder, hip, and knee joint reconstruction with a strong focus on innovation, commercial programs, customer engagement, and operational excellence.
Prior to DJO Surgical, Mr. McCaulley served as the President and CEO of Smiths Medical, President of Zimmer Holdings’ Global Reconstructive Division, and President and CEO of WK Health. Mr. McCaulley has also held senior executive positions with Medtronic and General Electric Healthcare, including President and CEO of GE Clinical Services. Mr. McCaulley earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Business Administration from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
“Avalign has built an extraordinary business focused on providing high quality products, best-in-class service, and innovative solutions to its customers. I am honored and excited by the opportunity to contribute to this organization. I look forward to working with the talented team at Avalign, enhancing the company’s capabilities within its core competencies, expanding the breadth of products the Company can provide its customer base, and leading the Company through its next phase of growth," McCaulley said.
Forrest Whittaker, who founded Avalign in 2005 and has been the CEO since inception, is stepping down from day-to-day duties as CEO but will remain an active member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Whittaker has had an illustrious 48-year career, and has been an exceptional leader for Avalign, playing a critical role in developing it into a premier manufacturer and distributor. The Avalign management team and Board of Directors are grateful for his leadership and dedication to the company.
“Participating in the growth and maturation of Avalign has been a fun, exciting, and often challenging experience. The management team and employee base of Avalign have created an exceptionally high-performance company that has been my privilege to lead,” Whittaker said. “I am very pleased and excited about Jeff’s appointment as Avalign’s CEO. He has established a superb track record of leading best-in-class companies in the medical device industry. We are most fortunate to have successfully recruited such a wonderful executive to take Avalign to its future levels of prosperity, growth, and success.”
“Jeff is an experienced leader with a proven track record in the medical device industry and we are fortunate to have him join the Avalign management team and Board of Directors,” said Ernest Waaser, Chairman of Avalign and Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners. “We commend Forrest on building a phenomenal organization dedicated to excellent customer service, thank him for his years of dedication to Avalign, and look forward to his continued involvement on the Board of Directors.”
About Avalign Technologies, Inc.
Avalign Technologies, Inc. is comprised of two divisions, Avalign Orthopedics and Avalign Surgical. Avalign Orthopedics manufactures premium implants and instruments for orthopedic, spine, and trauma applications. Avalign’s proprietary coatings, advanced manufacturing, extensive engineering design and full-service offerings set the Company apart in the precision manufacturing medical device market. Avalign Surgical sells premium surgical instruments to hospitals, distributors, and orthopedic equipment manufacturers around the world. With expertise in both German Surgical Instruments and in sourcing specialty surgical instruments, Avalign Surgical makes it easy to get the instruments you need for any application. For more information, please visit www.avalign.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.
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