TransEnterix, Inc., a medical device company that is digitizing the interface between surgeons and patients to improve minimally invasive surgery, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Anthony Fernando, the Company’s current Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective November 8, 2019. Mr. Fernando succeeds Todd Pope who is stepping down from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Pope is committed to assisting with the transition and will serve as a senior advisor to the Company.
“We would like to thank Todd for his leadership and contributions to TransEnterix since joining the Company as its CEO in 2008. Under his vision and guidance, the Company acquired and advanced the Senhance System, received multiple regulatory approvals and clearances, including FDA clearance of the Senhance System, launched in key markets around the world and is well positioned for future success,” said Paul LaViolette, Chairman of TransEnterix’s Board of Directors. “We have confidence in Anthony and his ability to lead the Company going forward. His leadership has been instrumental in the evolution of the Senhance System, the development of the digital surgical platform architecture, the acquisition of the MST technology and our plans to incorporate these valuable technology assets into the Company’s products. He has also played a key role in spearheading the development of the organization’s strategic priorities, and we believe his broad medical device and global leadership experience will be highly valuable during the next phase in the Company’s journey.”
“I have a strong belief in the technology and the team we have assembled at TransEnterix. The Senhance System has a unique role to play as we bring digital laparoscopy to the fast-growing surgical robotics market,” said Anthony Fernando, President and CEO of TransEnterix. “I will work diligently to realize the promise of this technology and grow our value in the future. I look forward to working closely with our team and the Board of Directors executing on our refocused strategy as we digitize the interface between surgeons and patients.”
”It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of TransEnterix over the past 10 years and I am proud of the significant progress we have made,” said Todd M. Pope. “I, along with the Board, believe Anthony is the right person to lead TransEnterix going forward as the Company continues to bring digital laparoscopy to the market.”
About Anthony Fernando
Mr. Fernando joined TransEnterix in 2015 as the Vice President of International Development, was promoted to Chief Technology Officer in 2016 and expanded his role to include Chief Operating Officer in 2017. In his current role, Mr. Fernando has been responsible for the Company’s technology strategy and global business operations. Mr. Fernando has more than 15 years of experience driving global business growth through innovation for healthcare companies. Prior to TransEnterix, Mr. Fernando served as Vice President of Innovation and Technology within the International Group at Stryker Corporation. Before joining Stryker, Mr. Fernando held positions at Becton Dickinson & Company as Director, R&D Devices & Global Health, Greater Asia; PerkinElmer Inc. as Director, R&D and CoE Leader in Asia; and Varian, Inc. as Director of Operations/General Manager of the Pharmaceutical Products business unit. Mr. Fernando earned an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and MSc and BSc in Mechanical Engineering with concentrations in Robotics and Automation from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.