Medtronic COO resigns, amid other executive changes

Medtronic realigns its corporate positions. Source: International Franchise Association

Medtronic's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Michael DeMane resigned Tuesday, in conjunction with several other management changes.

The Minneapolis-based company said that DeMane, who only held the position for eight months, left to pursue other opportunities. The company has decided not to replace DeMane. Instead, its global business unit presidents will report to President and CEO William A. Hawkins, who was promoted from COO last year when former CEO Arthur D. Collins retired.

As COO, DeMane was also responsible for Medtronic's Spinal and Biologics unit in Memphis, Tenn., which expanded through the $4.2 billion acquisition of Kyphon late last year and employs about 1,300 people.

Medtronic also released several other leadership changes, such as naming Jean-Luc Butel senior vice president and president of Medtronic International, making him responsible for the company's overseas operations.

Also, James Dallas has been named senior vice president of quality and operations; and Katie Szyman, formerly vice president of Medtronic's endovascular unit, was named senior vice president of the newly formed strategy and development group.