Benvenue Medical Names VP of Sales & Marketing

Benvenue Medical Inc., a developer of minimally invasive solutions for spine repair, has hired Rick Simmons as vice president of sales and marketing. Simmons brings more than 30 years of experience in medical devices and a deep knowledge of the spine industry, having held leadership roles at several well-respected companies in the category, according to his new employer.

Simmons is responsible for the growth and development of the Luna product line, including the Luna 360 Interbody Fusion System, a minimally invasive lumbar device for degenerative disc disease (DDD) that incorporates Benvenue Medical’s proprietary implant technology. The Luna 360 System received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November last year and, according to company leadership “represents an important expansion” of the firm’s spine product portfolio.

“Rick brings a unique blend of sales and marketing leadership, combined with a technical and analytic mindset,” said Robert Weigle, CEO of Benvenue Medical. “His wealth of spine expertise and his leadership skills will no doubt help us excel as we introduce the Luna 360 System to the U.S. market.”

Previously, Simmons served as president of g2m MedTech Advisors, a corporate consulting firm specializing in emerging technology platforms with a specialization in spine, surgical sports medicine and orthobiologic devices. There, Simmons led strategic planning, guidance go-to-market and commercialization strategies for Fortune 100 and early-stage venture funded companies. Prior to founding g2m MedTech Advisors, Simmons was vice president and general manager of Advanced Technologies, including leading marketing and sales of TranS1, Inc., from its founding through its initial public offering. He also held commercial leadership roles at NuVasive and Innovasive Devices.

Earlier in his career, Simmons served as director of marketing, managed care and business development at Genzyme Tissue Repair Inc., and held various U.S. and International sales and marketing management positions with Acufex Microsurgical Inc. He holds a bachelor of arts in kinesiology from California State University, Northridge.

Founded in 2004 and located in Santa Clara, Calif., Benvenue Medical makes minimally invasive systems for spine repair that combine expandable implants with novel delivery instruments to provide enduring functional benefits for patients. The company is privately held and funded by InterWest Partners, Versant Ventures, DeNovo Ventures, Domain Associates and Technology Partners. Its first products are designed for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and degenerative disc disease.

Benvenue Medical was featured among up-and-coming orthopedic firms in ODT’s recent 2014 Top Companies report.