PLAINSBORO, N.J., March 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) announced today the appointment of Christopher A. Thatcher as President of Integra NeuroSciences, effective immediately.
Mr. Thatcher brings to Integra more than 14 years of broad, global industry sector experience in medical devices, including implants, disposables and capital equipment markets. As President of Integra NeuroSciences, Mr. Thatcher will be responsible for the management of Integra's foundational division and provide the strategic direction and leadership required to expand the already strong position enjoyed by the business.
"We are delighted that Chris is joining our Integra team," said Brian Larkin, Group President, Integra LifeSciences Corporation. "He brings a wealth of general management experience that will help expand our business through the development of new strategies and dynamic commercial implementation."
Mr. Thatcher joins Integra following seven years at Bausch and Lomb, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as Vice President, Americas and General Manager of Bausch and Lomb's Canadian Division. Mr. Thatcher significantly improved the performance of the Canadian business, while building a highly successful executive and management team. He established winning commercial strategies for five business units and restructured the various functional departments to improve commercial and financial success. Prior to his tenure at Bausch and Lomb, Mr. Thatcher held several positions at Allergan's Surgical Products division.
"I am honored to lead the Integra NeuroSciences group. Integra is experiencing significant growth and is very well positioned in the neurosurgical marketplace," said Christopher Thatcher. "I look forward to working with Integra to continue our leadership position in neurosurgery and neuro critical care."
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, a world leader in regenerative medicine, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients through the development, manufacturing, and marketing of clinically relevant, innovative, and cost-effective surgical implants and medical instruments. Integra's products, used primarily in neurosurgery, orthopedics and general surgery, are used to treat millions of patients every year. The company's headquarters are in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and it has research and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. For more information visit www.Integra-LS.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in section IA of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.
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