Axogen Names Abbott SVP Michael Dale as CEO

Axogen has named Michael Dale as its new CEO and a member of the company’s board of directors, effective August 9, 2024. Dale succeeds Karen Zaderej, who will stay in an advisory role for nine months.
 
Dale touts more than 30 years of experience leading medical device companies in the cardiovascular, neuromodulation, diabetes, and electrophysiology markets. He spent eight years at Abbott, serving as the company’s senior VP. Dale was also president and CEO of GI Dynamics.
 
Axogen also appointed Paul Thomas as chairman of its board of directors, also effective August 9. Thomas has been a board member since 2020 and has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the medical device industry.
 
“It is with pride and excitement that I embark today on a new mission as leader of Axogen,” said Dale. “I have been fortunate to be a part of many great healthcare businesses throughout my career. Each has been dedicated to fulfilling a credible business purpose based on unique advantages, hallmarks of a successful business. Axogen’s technologies and dedication to restoring peripheral nerve health and improving quality of life for patients who have lost sensory and or motor control function through trauma or disease embodies a unique combination of credible purpose and technological advantage. This is why I am excited to join Axogen.”
 
“My conviction in Axogen continues to strengthen and I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board at this critical juncture,” added Thomas. “I am encouraged by the strong foundation we built within the Company and look forward to working closely with Michael, the Board, and the leadership team as the Company narrows its focus on commercial expansion, broad-based revenue growth, and driving toward sustainable positive cash flow and profitability.”