Medtronic names new head of diabetes business

Medtronic has announced the appointment of Hooman Hakami as executive vice-president and group president of its diabetes business unit.

The move will see Mr Hakami assume leadership for the division's entire global diabetes franchise, including research and development, operations and sales and marketing. The unit is the global leader in insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems.

Prior to this appointment, Mr Hakami was employed as president and chief executive officer of the detection and guidance solutions business at GE Healthcare, a $2 billion (1.19 billion pounds) business.

In the coming years, the Medtronic diabetes franchise will look to expand to new markets and develop important new partnerships, while progressing with the creation of innovative technologies such as the artificial pancreas.

Omar Ishrak, chairman and chief executive officer of Medtronic, said: "I have known and worked with Hooman over many years, and know he will bring outstanding leadership to our team."

The company is the largest medical technology business in the world and was recently named as one of the top US-based corporate citizens in a report from Corporate Responsibility Magazine.