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Endicott Interconnect Technologies Hires Chief Operating Officer

Top executives at Endicott Interconnect Technologies Inc. have created a new, high-level management position to run the company’s manufacturing operations and help streamline business processes.
Joe Zachman made his debut as chief operating officer in late June. He held a similar title (senior vice president and chief operating officer) at his former employer, Wabash National Corp., in Lafayette, Ind., a manufacturer of semi trailers. In his new role, Zachman will establish new manufacturing protocols and improve initiatives to reduce expenses, maximize efficiencies and improve on-time delivery, Endicott executives said.

“With his extensive background in operations, Joe is well positioned to link the needs of the industry to operational excellence and streamline our business processes for continued growth and profitability,” James J. McNamara Jr., Endicott’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “Joe will play a key role in our corporate efforts to transform Endicott Interconnect from a good company to a great company.”
Before he joined Wabash, Zachman was vice president and general manager at TTM Technologies Inc., Santa Ana, Calif.-based manufacturer of printed circuit boards. He also worked as director of operations at Hadco Corp., a manufacturer of multilayer printed circuit boards, backplanes and system assemblies. The company was acquired by Sanmina-SCI Corp. in 2000 for $984 million.

Ximedica Finds a Medical Director

Ximedica LLC has added a new voice to its product development process. Executives with the Providence, R.I.-based company have appointed Anita Kestin, M.D., as medical director.

Kestin will help apply a human factor mindset to the company’s endeavors, said Dan Reifsteck, Ximedica’s chief operating officer. She will help the company’s customers and staff understand both clinical and user need, including risk assessment. In addition, she will provide a critical perspective to the medical device development process, sharing her viewpoint as both a doctor and researcher, Reifsteck noted.

“Anita’s experience as a clinician and researcher lends a critical viewpoint to our device development work,” Aidan Petrie, Ximedica’s co-founder and chief innovation officer, said. “Throughout the design process, from understanding clinical needs to final validation and regulatory submissions—and in some cases, managing clinical trials—having Anita on our staff will provide an invaluable resource to our clients.”

Kestin received her medical training at Brown University in Providence, R.I., and completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She also has a master’s degree in public health (with a focus on patient safety and quality) from Brown University. Kestin most recently was an attending physician in hematology/oncology at Rhode Island Hospital and she also was a patient safety fellow.

“Because I have seen the human cost of medical errors in patient safety, I am pleased that patient safety is now in the spotlight and I am enthusiastic about helping to create better and safer ways to deliver medical care,” Kestin said.

General Manager Named at Cogmedix

Cogmedix has added a general manager to its leadership team. Executives at the Worcester, Mass.-based contract manufacturer have hired Matthew Giza from Middlefield, Conn.-based Zygo Corp., where he managed business development and strategic relationships.

In his new role, Giza will implement growth plans for both Cogmedix and its clients. His experience manufacturing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-compliant devices will particularly be valuable to companies that need help outsourcing the development of such products.

“The medical device industry is booming and is rich with small to midsize companies that see tangible financial and compliance benefits to outsourcing their FDA-compliant manufacturing needs,” Giza said. “I look forward to helping clientsexplore the world of FDA-compliant medical device manufacturing.”
Before he joined Zygo, Giza worked as director of worldwide sales and services for the optical scanning group at GSI Group Inc., a Billerica, Mass.-based supplier of precision motion control components, lasers and laser systems to OEMs, integrators and end users.

Giza’s experience played a crucial role in his selection for the position at Cogmedix. His new boss, Chris Coghlin, said he is confident that Giza can help the company diversify and expand its client base.
“Matt brings a wealth of experience in business development and leadership to our company,” said Coghlin, the CEO of Cogmedix. “This, combined with his vast experience in manufacturing FDA-compliant devices, gives him a strong platform for success and makes him a valuable asset to our company as we set our sights on signifcat, compliant growth.”

Cogmedix is a subsidiary of Coghlin Companies Inc. and focuses on the production of Class I and Class II medical and clinical devices for the healthcare industry. Its manufacturing capabilities cover diagnostic, remote-monitoring, laser-based and rehabilitation technologies.