Eucomed elects new chairman

European medical devices trade body Eucomed has named Rob ten Hoedt as the successor to outgoing chairman Guy Lebeau.

Ten Hoedt (picture right) is senior VP and president, EMEA and Canada at Medtronic – a position he has held since 2009.

He replaces Lebeau who steps down after six years as Eucomed chairman. During this time, Lebeau oversaw updates to device regulation and the launch of the MedTech Europe alliance in 2012. He also continued to serve as Johnson & Johnson's group company chairman for medical devices and diagnostics across the EMEA region.

“Having truly left his mark on Eucomed for the past six years, Guy Lebeau is today leaving the association in an ideal position to be ready for the future,” said ten Hoedt.

The new chairman also commented on the task at hand, considering Europe's financial challenges in healthcare.

“As a European, I am proud of the healthcare systems we have in place in Europe,” he said. “At the same time, it is a fact that we are currently facing some major budget challenges and we need to find solutions to ensure that patients continue to have access to the most innovative and life-saving therapies.”

Ten Hoedt joined MedTronic in 1991, serving in several senior roles over the years, including VP of the cardiovascular business for Europe and Central Asia and general manager of the Medtronic subsidiary Vitatron.

His career prior to 1991 includes spells at Arjo Hospital equipment and Polystan Benelux.