Smith & Nephew plc, a global medical technology business, announced the appointment of Sri Lanka-born Namal Nawana as Chief Executive Officer. He will join the Company and be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director on 7 May 2018.
Most recently, Namal was Chief Executive Officer of medical diagnostics company Alere Inc, where he led the successful turnaround of this global business and oversaw its $5.3 billion acquisition by Abbott in 2017. He joined Alere as Chief Operating Officer in December 2012.
Prior to Alere, Namal spent more than 15 years at Johnson & Johnson, primarily in its Medical Devices & Diagnostics segment, in a number of progressively senior commercial leadership roles across markets including in the USA, Asia and Europe. In 2011 he became Worldwide President of DePuy Synthes Spine, where he oversaw a transformation programme including substantial margin improvement and the integration of Synthes following its acquisition in 2012.
Namal will succeed Olivier Bohuon, who will step down from the Board on 7 May. During his notice period, Olivier will be available in an advisory capacity to provide advice and assistance to Namal in his new role, to help ensure a smooth transition.
Roberto Quarta, Chairman of Smith & Nephew, commented: “In Namal I am delighted that we have secured an exceptional new chief executive with a proven record within the medical device industry. He has the experience as a CEO of a major listed company in the healthcare sector, and has demonstrated that he can energise businesses to deliver better performance and greater value to shareholders. We are looking forward to him joining our Board and driving Smith & Nephew to the next level of success.”
“I would also like to thank Olivier for his service. In his seven years as chief executive, Smith & Nephew has undergone important and necessary change and he has significantly strengthened the foundations of our Company. This has delivered strong value to shareholders, almost doubling the share price and materially outperforming the FTSE100, whilst also increasing the dividend distribution by more than 100%. On behalf of the Board and all of Smith & Nephew I wish him a happy retirement and all the best for the future.”
Mr. Nawana said: “I am passionate about the medical devices industry where I have worked all my life and it is an honour to become the new Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew, a company I greatly admire. I am most excited by its portfolio of innovation which I believe gives an excellent platform from which to drive the business forward into its next exciting chapter.”
Mr Nawana is an independent member of the Board of Hologic, Inc. No further disclosure obligations arise under paragraphs (1) to (6) of LR 9.6.13 R of the UK Listing Authority’s Listing Rules in respect of this appointment.
Remuneration
Mr Nawana will be paid in accordance with the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders on 6 April 2017, as set out in the Annual Report:
- He will receive a base salary of $1,540,000 per annum (£1,100,000 converted using average exchange rates for Q1 2018) and will be paid at that dollar amount going forward.
- He will participate in the Annual Incentive Plan (cash and equity) and the Performance Share Plan. Awards for 2018 will be pro-rated to reflect time served during the year.
- He will be eligible to join those US defined contribution pension plans available to our US executives: Executive Plus Plan, 401k and 401k plus savings. Collectively, the Company contributions to these plans total 21.47% of salary.
- He will receive standard US Executive benefits, which are not materially different in nature or value relative to the incumbent CEO.
- His notice period will be six months, with the Company required to provide 12 months.
- Mr Nawana will receive no sign-on or buy-out award associated with joining the Company.
