Neuromod Devices Limited (“Neuromod”), an Irish medical technology company specializing in non-invasive neuromodulation technologies, is pleased to announce that Christopher M. Smith is a Strategic Advisor to the Board as of June 1, 2018 and will join the company’s Board of Directors from January 3, 2019. 

Chris Smith

Chris Smith

Smith comes to Neuromod’s Board with what the company describes as “an exemplary track record of leadership” in the hearing and medical devices’ sectors. In January 2018, after 14 years with the company, Smith retired from his role as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Cochlear Ltd (COH.ASX), a company that designs and manufactures cochlear implantation technology. During his time at the helm of Cochlear, Smith oversaw a period of substantial growth reaching annual sales in excess of AUD 1 billion dollars (USD $738.4 million) and the market cap of the company grow to AUD 10 billion (USD $7.38 billion). 

Dr Manus Rogan, Chair of the Board of Neuromod, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the Company. Neuromod will benefit from his track record guiding companies through rapid growth in the medical device and hearing sectors.” 

Prior to Cochlear, Smith held roles as CEO in Residence with Warburg Pincus and as Group President of Gyrus Group in Reading, England, a “market leader” in surgical products. Smith has previously served on the board of directors of publicly-listed Xtent Inc as well as Startek Inc, Universal Biosensors, Gyrus Group Plc, and notably Acclarent Inc, a private ENT-focused medical device company that was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Smith holds a BS from Texas A&M University. 

Welcoming the appointment, Dr Ross O’Neill, Neuromod CEO, said: “Chris is a recognized global leader in the hearing industry who is joining us at an exciting point in Neuromod’s evolution. We expect to conclude the second phase of the TENT-A clinical trial later this year and are excited to convert the promise of clinical data into a meaningful therapeutic option for the many patients with tinnitus anxiously awaiting effective, safe, and convenient treatments. I look forward to working with Chris to bring this important intervention to market.” 

Smith said: “Tinnitus continues to be one of the largest and most poorly served needs in audiology and hearing. Neuromod is taking an innovative, science-driven, and rigorous approach to developing a solution to this large problem. I see in Neuromod’s people and innovative approach the potential for transformative patient impact. I am excited to be part of their endeavor.” 

Source: Neuromod

Image: Neuromod