Smith & Nephew Endoscopy Appoints Executives to Lead Research and Development and Marketing Efforts

ANDOVER, Mass., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew's Endoscopy division today announced the appointments of Sally L. Maher as Vice President, Research and Development, and Joseph G. Darling as Vice President of Marketing.

Sally Maher

Maher, who has more than 15 years of experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, had served as Smith & Nephew Endoscopy's Vice President of Government Affairs. She joined Smith & Nephew in 1999 and managed the transition team after Endoscopy acquired Orthopaedic Biosystems Ltd. (OBL) in 2001.

Maher holds a bachelor's degree from the Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, and a law degree from the University of Baltimore in Maryland.

"Our R&D efforts are critical to the long-term success of this organization," said Jim Taylor, President, Endoscopy. "Sally's keen understanding of business, industry and clinical needs has added greater scope to our organization."

Joseph G. Darling

As Vice President of Marketing, Darling will be responsible for Endoscopy's worldwide strategic marketing direction. He brings to Smith & Nephew Endoscopy more than 20 years of experience in the medical industry, most recently at Baxter International where he served as Vice President of Marketing, U.S. Medication Delivery Systems. He also held executive and leadership positions at Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories.

"Joe's professional experience in both marketing and sales has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the healthcare industry's most complex issues, including healthcare economics and reimbursement," Taylor said. "We look forward to his contributions to the Endoscopy organization."

Darling is a graduate of Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y. About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew (http://www.smith-nephew.com/) is a global medical technology business, specializing in Endoscopy, Orthopaedics and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and one of the world's leaders in advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing orthopaedics companies in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 8,000 employees and operates in 33 countries around the world and generated sales of nearly $2.3 billion.

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Contact: Joe Metzger Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (978) 749-1330