Össur, Reykjavik, Iceland, has appointed Thorvaldur Ingvarsson, MD, PhD, to the position of executive vice president (EVP) of research and development (R&D). He will also become a member of the Össur executive committee.
Ingvarsson joined Össur in 2009 as a medical officer, contributing to the clinical research efforts and product design based on medical necessity. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of Lund, Sweden, with emphases on osteoarthritis and health economic outcomes. He has 19 years of experience as an orthopedic surgeon. Prior to joining Össur, he held a medical director position as well as a CEO position within a hospital setting. Ingvarsson has published more than 40 scientific papers and is currently involved in international research projects related to osteoarthritis, ligament healing, health economics outcomes, and biomechanics of prostheses.
Ingvarsson will assume this role from Hilmar B. Janusson, PhD, who has accepted the position of dean of the University of Iceland, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Reykjavik. Janusson will continue to support R&D as a long-term consultant. These management changes will take effect June 30, 2012.
“Thorvaldur Ingvarsson brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience in the field to lead a dedicated team to further advance our technological platform and clinical research,” said Jón Sigurðsson, president and CEO. “For more than 20 years, Hilmar has been an instrumental force in establishing Össur as a technology leader in the market. On behalf of all Össur employees I thank him for his valuable contribution to our company.”