SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Benvenue Medical, Inc., a developer of minimally invasive solutions for spine repair, today announced that Rick Simmons has joined the company as vice president of sales and marketing. Simmons brings more than 30 years of experience in medical devices and a deep knowledge of the spine industry, having held leadership roles at several well-respected companies in the category.
Simmons is responsible for the growth and development of the Luna product line, including the Luna® 360 Interbody Fusion System, a novel, minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion device for degenerative disc disease (DDD) that incorporates Benvenue Medical’s proprietary implant technology. The Luna 360 System received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2014 and represents an important expansion of Benvenue Medical’s spine product portfolio.
“Rick brings a unique blend of sales and marketing leadership, combined with a technical and analytic mindset,” said Robert Weigle, CEO of Benvenue Medical, Inc. “His wealth of spine expertise and his leadership skills will no doubt help us excel as we introduce the Luna 360 System to the U.S. market.”
Previously, Simmons served as president of g2m MedTech Advisors, a corporate consulting firm specializing in emerging technology platforms with a specialization in spine, surgical sports medicine and orthobiologic devices. There, Simmons led strategic planning, guidance go-to-market and commercialization strategies for both Fortune 100 and early stage venture funded companies. Prior to founding g2m MedTech Advisors, Simmons was vice president and general manager of Advanced Technologies, including leading marketing and sales of TranS1, Inc., from its founding through its IPO. He also held commercial leadership roles at NuVasive and Innovasive Devices. Earlier in his career, Simmons served as director of marketing, managed care and business development at Genzyme Tissue Repair, Inc., and held various U.S. and International sales and marketing management positions with Acufex Microsurgical, Inc. He holds a bachelor of arts in kinesiology from California State University, Northridge.
About Benvenue Medical, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Benvenue Medical, Inc. provides next generation minimally invasive systems for spine repair that combine expandable implants with novel delivery instruments to provide enduring functional benefits for patients. The company is privately held and funded by InterWest Partners, Versant Ventures, DeNovo Ventures, Domain Associates and Technology Partners. Its first products are designed for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and degenerative disc disease, which have combined revenues of $9 billion globally. For more information, visit www.benvenuemedical.com.
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