New President and CEO Takes the Helm at Accellent

Wilmington, MA-based Accellent Inc. recently named Robert E. Kirby as president and CEO. Kenneth W. Freeman will continue as executive chairman.

Kirby has 30 years of operating experience, most recently at Handleman Company (a music distribution company based in Troy, MI), where he was president and chief operating officer. Prior to Handleman, he served in a number of leadership roles with Johnson & Johnson, including president of the Personal Products division; vice president of Global Supply Chain and vice president, North American Operations—Consumer and Personal Care Group; and vice president, Research and Development—Consumer Products Group.

Kirby began his career at Procter & Gamble as a scientist and also has held leadership positions in research and development, engineering and manufacturing at Kimberly-Clark Corporation and James River/Fort James Corporation.

Orchid Restructures, Adds New Board Members

Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, LLC recently announced that CEO and Chairman Mike Miller would step back from his role as CEO and turn over day-to-day operational responsibilities to Mike Zamiara, president of Orchid.

In his role as chairman, Miller will continue to provide board-level direction to Holt, MI-based Orchid, as well as work with Churchill Equity Partners (a majority owner in Orchid), in determining the ongoing growth strategy for the company.  Miller was the original owner of Orchid Stealth, the organization’s forging provider.  

Zamiara will assume Miller’s former daily operational role. Zamiara, who held the position of chief financial officer when he joined the organization in 2005, was promoted to president earlier this year.   

Orchid also named two new members of its board of directors. Charles Deischter, former owner of Orchid MPS, brings more than 30 years of experience in specialized machining. Mitch Kern, a partner with Churchill Equity Partners, will provide financial and business expertise.

Paragon Names Manager of Business Development

Paragon Medical of Pierceton, IN has named Peter Van Syckle as the company’s new manager of Business Development. Van Syckle joins Paragon with more than 25 years of orthopedic industry experience, including 21 years with Howmedica (which was later acquired by Stryker). Van Syckle, who will be based in Paragon’s Mark Machine division, has held positions of increasing responsibility in product development, engineering and marketing.

“With his history of success, Peter has earned the respect of the industry and lends significant credibility to Paragon’s business development efforts,” said Cory Colman, senior vice president for Paragon Medical.