CHELMSFORD, Mass. — ZOLL Medical Corporation, an Asahi Kasei company specializing in medical devices and software solutions for cardiopulmonary and respiratory care, has appointed Eric Knudsen as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. He will succeed Jon Rennert, who has served as CEO for the past decade and will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of ZOLL’s Board of Directors.
“As a global leader in medical technology, ZOLL is continually looking for ways to expand our business and reach more patients in need,” said Rennert. “Eric has played a unique role in developing our growth strategies and driving our expansion, and I am confident he will lead ZOLL to even greater growth and success.”
Knudsen brings nearly 30 years of medtech experience to the CEO position, with a strong background in corporate strategy and business development. Since joining ZOLL in 2013, he has led the company’s Corporate Development team, overseeing strategic investments and the acquisition of over a dozen new technologies. More recently, he served for four years as President of ZOLL Itamar, a division focused on diagnosing sleep disorders, where he led significant growth and a sharp rise in profitability.
“I am honored to become ZOLL’s next CEO,” said Knudsen. “ZOLL has a long legacy of innovation and clinical excellence, and today our medical devices, software, and related services are used worldwide to diagnose and treat patients suffering from serious cardiopulmonary and respiratory conditions. We will continue to lead with our commitment to patients and customers and our passion for improving outcomes and helping save lives.”
Prior to his time at ZOLL, Knudsen held leadership roles in international sales, marketing, and manufacturing partnerships at Covidien (now part of Medtronic), Aspect Medical Systems, and LeMaitre Vascular. He holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College.
Rennert, who joined ZOLL in 2008 and became CEO in 2016, led the company through a period of sustained growth. Under his leadership, ZOLL strengthened its global position in external defibrillation and expanded its portfolio with innovative solutions for patients facing serious cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
