Smith and Nephew names new non-executive director

Smith and Nephew has confirmed that Ajay Piramal will be joining its board as a non-executive director next month.

Mr Piramal, the chairman of the major Indian organisation Piramal Group, will take on his new role at Smith and Nephew on January 1st 2012 in order to help the company deliver on its growth objectives in emerging markets.

His conglomerate's activities span areas as diverse as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, financial services and real estate, while he also holds positions at the Indian Institute of Technology, Pratham India and Harvard Business School.

John Buchanan, chairman of Smith and Nephew, said Mr Piramal's industry and market knowledge in territories such as India and China will be invaluable to the business.

"Ajay brings unique and highly valuable experience to Smith and Nephew, having built a world-class medical and industrial enterprise, and he is one of India's most respected businessmen," he added.

This follows the company's appointment of Stephane Thiroloix as the new president of its European advanced surgical devices division in October 2011.