Surgical appoints a US president... for sales

The Leeds-based business said yesterday that Rick Barnett will join with immediate effect. The role of president of US sales and operations is a newly created position, a spokesman for Surgical confirmed.

Mr Barnett joins from Integrated Medical Systems Inc where he worked in the management and consulting division.

He managed a division that provided on-site clinical support for minimally invasive procedures.

Surgical said that an important focus for its strategy moving forward is to drive its SI branded products “through investment in sales and marketing especially in the US where it is ideally placed to leverage its growing position in this market”.

Mr Barnett will have responsibility for managing the various US sales channels Surgical has previously established and will aim to grow the US business using his experience in the endoscopic sector.

Mr Barnett previously served as the US senior director for Intuitive Surgical and between 1998-2008 as national director for Endoscopic Sales within the Stryker Corporation.

Graham Bowland, chief executive officer for Surgical Innovations, said: “Rick Barnett is an outstanding appointment for SI as we continue to develop our presence in the US market.

“He brings with him extensive knowledge of the endoscopic industry and a proven track record in developing new business and sales opportunities that will enable him to accelerate the growth of the SI business in the United States.”

The US remains Surgical’s largest market opportunity, with 28 per cent of overall revenues generated from the US in 2012.

During 2012, the company recorded revenue of £7.64m, compared with £7.60m the year before.

Pre-tax profit reduced to £1.23m, from £1.71m in 2011.

The adjusted EBITDA, excluding exceptional items, was £2.89m, compared with £2.83m in 2011.

The company achieved strong second half sales, with contracted orders in the second half of £5.62m, which was an increase of 85 per cent on the first half. US direct sales rose 21.9 per cent to £2.15m.