Adagio Medical (Nasdaq: ADGM) has revealed its new leadership decision with the appointment of Todd Usen as CEO and board director. The decision comes after the recent exit of Olav Bergheim, who was the founder, CEO, and board chair. Bergheim’s departure is effective as of December 13. Simultaneously, Usen will also assume the role of CEO, while Orly Mishan is appointed chair of the board. Bergheim plans to offer his expertise to Usen and aid in the transition process until December 13, 2025.
“We acknowledge Olav for his significant dedication and contributions to Adagio. His tenure marked crucial clinical and operational achievements, leading to the company’s NASDAQ listing,” commented Mishan. “We are fortunate to welcome Todd, whose extensive commercial and operational expertise, coupled with a successful history of steering large and intricate medtech organizations, will benefit the Adagio team. Todd’s notable leadership in the realms of company growth, innovation, logistics, and market strategies is commendable.”
Usen’s professional portfolio reflects his leadership acumen, having previously held top positions, including his latest role as president and CEO at Minerva Surgical, and before that, CEO at Activ Surgical. His earlier career includes presidency in the Medical Systems Group at Olympus with prior executive roles at Smith+Nephew and Boston Scientific.
Usen steps into his new role at a pivotal time for Adagio as it progresses with its VT cryoablation system. The VT system boasts the company’s unique ultra-low-temperature cryoablation (ULTC) technology, aiming to address VT ablation’s safety and efficacy challenges by inducing substantial endocardial lesions without the necessity for catheter irrigation.
“Joining Adagio marks an exciting point in the company’s evolution, as we focus on initial European market efforts and the FULCRUM-VT trial engagement in the States,” shared Usen. “The accumulating evidence supports the reliability and efficacy of Adagio’s ULTC innovations, alongside enthusiastic user feedback in both Europe and North America. I am confident that Adagio’s VT cryoablation model, featuring the vCLAS catheter, is set to establish a new treatment standard for ventricular tachycardia patients.”