Microline Expands Leadership Team

Beverly, Mass.-based Microline Surgical Inc., maker of reposable surgical laparoscopic instruments, has named Sharad H. Joshi as its new president and CEO. The appointment is part of a new leadership initiative; the company also gave Board Chairman Jean-Luc Boulnois, Ph.D., the title of executive chairman. He previously served as chairman and CEO for the past eight years.

Joshi has been a member of the Microline executive team since 2007, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer (COO). He brings more than 25 years of medical device industry experience, including leadership positions in business development, marketing, sales, operations and R&D. Prior to joining Microline, Joshi was founder, president and CEO of Blue Torch Medical Technologies. Previously, he held positions with Boston Scientific Inc. and Alliant Medical Technologies.

According to Boulnois, the Microline board has brought in new leadership to re-engineer the company’s operational functions and better serve its partners, physician customers and their patients, while further expanding into global markets.

“Joshi has played an integral part in Microline’s growth as we’ve extended our reach into the surgical marketplace both organically and through the introduction of the Mifusion energy product line,” said Boulnois, pointing out the company’s 17 percent annual growth average.

“This is a time of tremendous promise and change in the healthcare industry as surgeons expand minimally invasive surgical techniques into new procedural areas in an effort to reduce complications and improve outcomes for their patients,” said Joshi. “Microline is positioned for growth in the field of laparoscopy with our management team, global resources, business development strategy and products.”

According to Microline, Joshi will work closely with his recently expanded senior management team and board of directors. In his new role, Boulnois will concentrate on long term strategic objectives, while creating and developing partnerships that complement Microline’s core business and enhance shareholder value.