ConvaTec Has New Face at the Top

ConvaTec, a developer of devices for hospital care, has a new captain at the controls.

Ken Berger will assume the position of CEO and will be appointed to the company’s of directors. Berger joins Skillman, N.J.-based ConvaTec from Thermo Fisher Scientific where he spent the last 10 years, most recently as senior vice president and group president of the Specialty Diagnostics Group, a $2 billion diagnostics business.

“We are excited to have Ken take over the helm of ConvaTec,” said Toni Weitzberg, head of ConvaTec’s board. “His track record of building highly profitable businesses, combined with diverse global experience and a history of building strong leadership teams is well suited to take ConvaTec to the next level of performance excellence.”

This appointment follows the mutual agreement between David I. Johnson and the company’s board that he will step down as CEO, effective March 5.

“Dave successfully managed the carve-out from Bristol Myers Squibb Co. and created an independent global company with a strong platform for growth,” said Weitzberg. “The board thanks him for his service in leading ConvaTec over the past six years, and for his dedication to the company for over 12 years.”

Over the next 60 days, Johnson will work with the board and his successor for an “orderly transition” of leadership.

ConvaTec’s products focus on four key areas: ostomy care, wound therapeutics, continence and critical care, and infusion devices.

With backing from two private equity firms—Nordic Capital and Avista Capital Partners—ConvaTec broke away from drug company Bristol Myers Squibb.