Abbott Executive Named AdvaMed Chairman

James Mazzo, president of Abbott Medical Optics, is beginning a two-year term as chairman of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).

Mazzo, who succeeds Edwards Lifesciences Chairman and CEO Michael Mussallem, who has led the organization since 2008, has chaired AdvaMed’s International Board Committee for the past two years, where he worked toward streamlining the medical device approval process in Japan, clarified product approval and recall provisions in China and expanded the committee’s work in emerging markets, AdvaMed said.

He also has chaired AdvaMed’s Board Committee on the Value of Technology initiative and the association’s political action committee, AdvaMed PAC.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our industry and to represent AdvaMed and what it stands for: ensuring patients benefit from advancements in medical technology products and services,” said Mazzo. “Our vibrant and diverse industry is fueled by entrepreneurial companies that are the engine of growth in communities across the country. As AdvaMed chair, I intend to work to implement policies that encourage innovation for the improvement of patient care everywhere.”

During the next two years, Mazzo will lead the industry’s efforts to: support the FDA’s review process so patients continue to have timely access to safe and effective medical technologies; ensure innovation thrives as payers and providers experiment with new health care delivery models; and support global regulatory harmonization efforts, the organization said.