Azarbarzin brings vast experience in medical devices, surgical stapling, innovation, and successful execution of growth strategies
Blue Ash, OH – January 30, 2019 – Standard Bariatrics, Inc. today announced the appointment of Kurt Azarbarzin as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Azarbarzin, currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at CONMED Corporation (“CONMED”), brings 35 years of experience in the medical device industry. Prior to joining CONMED, he was Founder and CEO of SurgiQuest, Inc. (“SurgiQuest”), a privately-held venture-backed company that developed, manufactured, and marketed innovative access technologies for minimally invasive surgery. While at SurgiQuest, he commercialized, financed, and led a growth strategy that created significant shareholder value and resulted in a successful acquisition of the company by CONMED for $265 million in November 2015. Prior to SurgiQuest, Azarbarzin spent 21 years at United States Surgical Corporation/Tyco, most recently as Global Vice President of Research and Development.
“Kurt’s broad industry experience and background will significantly strengthen our Board of Directors,” said Dr. Jon Thompson, Founder of Standard Bariatrics. “We look forward to Kurt’s valuable contributions as we remain focused on consistent outcomes for patients undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy, using our surgical instrumentation.”
Azarbarzin commented, “I am very pleased to join the talented Standard Bariatrics team, and excited about complementing the company’s ongoing strategic efforts. I look forward to working with the experienced Board and management team as they continue to drive innovation and pursue compelling market opportunities.”
Azarbarzin sits on the Board of TELA® Bio, Inc., a surgical reconstruction company and is a member of the Executive Board at the Center for BioMedical Innovation and Technology at Yale University.
About Standard Bariatrics, Inc.
Standard Bariatrics, Inc. is a Cincinnati-based surgical procedure company focused on the innovative development and commercialization of medical devices. Driven by a passionate group of surgical innovators, the company will continue to release surgical solutions designed to address significant market opportunities. The Standard Bariatrics management team has over 175 combined years of experience in developing and commercializing novel medical device technologies with a record of achieving both clinical and economic excellence for patients and providers. Standard Bariatrics is supported through early investment from Queen City Angels CincyTech and Accelerant, more recently, series A lead investors RiverVest and Hatteras. For more information, visit https://www.standardbariatrics.com or call 513-620-7751.