Vasant Padmanabhan

Vasant Padmanabhan joined Smith+Nephew in August 2016 and is responsible for Research and Innovation, New Product Development, Clinical and Medical Affairs, and Clinical Operations. Vasant is based in Andover, US.

Vasant is a medical technology executive with over 25 years of global R&D leadership experience. He holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering and has a proven track record of driving and delivering innovation from concept-to-commercialisation. Prior to Smith+Nephew, Vasant served as the Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Thoratec Corporation, a leader in mechanical circulatory support solutions for the treatment of heart failure. In this role, he provided leadership to multiple technical functions including global R&D, Programme Management, Quality Affairs, and Operations. Prior to Thoratec Corporation and its successful acquisition by St. Jude Medical, Inc. in 2015, Vasant had an 18-year career at Medtronic plc, starting as a Staff Scientist and, progressing through more senior roles, ultimately becoming Vice President of Connected Care R&D Operations (2008-2012) and Vice President of Product Development for the Implantable Defibrillator Business (2012-2014). Vasant holds an MSc and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management.