Defibtech selects Robert Reinhardt as new CEO

Defibtech, LLC, a Nihon Kohden company based in Guilford, Conn., announced that its board of directors has unanimously chosen Robert Reinhardt as Defibtech’s next chief executive officer. Reinhardt will succeed Gintaras Vaisnys, the company’s co-founder and current CEO, on April 11. Vaisnys will remain as an advisor to Defibtech’s board and management. Defibtech is a leader and innovator in the design and manufacture of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), mechanical chest compressors, and other lifesaving resuscitation products.

"After a very comprehensive search process lasting more than seven months, we are very pleased to have found an individual that can continue building on Defibtech’s track record of success. Bob has a great blend of technological insights and strategic thinking that can take Defibtech’s core competence of innovation to the next level," said Hirokazu Ogino, president of Nihon Kohden Corporation. "We are also fortunate to have Gintaras’ continued involvement to ensure continuity."

Reinhardt, 56, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and has been in the medical device industry for his entire career. He has extensive cross-functional experience from his work at several leading companies, including Guidant, Johnson & Johnson and, most recently, Olympus Medical Systems Group, where he spent 17 years in various technical, marketing and management leadership roles. At Olympus, he had responsibility for divisions with more than US$300 million in sales and 700 employees. "I am very excited to be stepping into this position with Defibtech and continuing its decade long streak of innovation and growth," Reinhardt said. "I think we can further leverage Nihon Kohden’s financial and technological resources to continue expanding the markets Defibtech serves. I see tremendous potential for future growth and look forward to being part of the team making that happen."

Vaisnys expressed confidence in the board’s choice. "As a founder, I was very concerned that we find the right person. Bob is not only someone with the right technical and business background, and brings great strategic planning and management experience to the business, but he also ‘gets’ the Defibtech culture, which has been a key competitive advantage in our success," Vaisnys said.