SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Welch Allyn, a leading manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, announced today that Julie Shimer, president & CEO of the company for the past five years, has announced her intention to retire at the end of this year.
“After a long and fulfilling career that has lasted more than 30 years and offered the opportunity to work for wonderful companies in a number of different capacities , I am looking forward to retirement and the opportunity to spend more time with family,” Shimer said.
Shimer’s career at Welch Allyn began in 2002 when she joined the Welch Allyn board of directors. In 2007, that board asked her to become president and CEO. She is widely credited with developing the visionary “platform strategy” for Welch Allyn products and services, which led to a slate of solutions that enable healthcare professionals to access and manage patient data real time--ultimately allowing for more effective and efficient patient care.
“Julie’s vision and strategy for our company and our products was a game-changer for our customers and Welch Allyn. She embraced the challenge of continuous innovation which started with my great-grandfather, William Noah Allyn, and continued through four generations of our family. The shareholders and the Board of Directors are extremely grateful for Julie’s dedication to this strategy, and our company is well-positioned for the future because of it,” stated Eric Allyn, a member of the Board of Directors.
“I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished together in my 10 year association with this fine company, and I look forward to redoubling our efforts in 2012 to make sure we continue to provide the best solutions for our customers that are made by the best workforce in the world,” stated Shimer.
Shimer was named president and CEO of Welch Allyn in 2007 – becoming the first woman to hold this post in the 95-year history of the company. In her first two years at the company, Welch Allyn won “Best Places to Work™” accolades in Ireland and Mexico, and broke ground on a $30 million expansion project at its global headquarters in Skaneateles Falls, N.Y.
Prior to joining Welch Allyn, Shimer served as president and CEO of Vocera Communications, a leading wireless communications company based in Cupertino, California. She also held executive positions at 3Com Corporation, Motorola, AT&T Bell Laboratories.
In March of 2011 Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Shimer the chairperson for New York's Empire State Development Corporation. Shimer currently holds board positions with Welch Allyn, Netgear and CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity. She is actively involved in programs that encourage women to enter engineering fields and is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Society for Women Engineers.
“Julie’s passion for innovation and technology has served the company well and will continue to be her legacy long after she retires,” said Jim Crook, Chairman of the Welch Allyn Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has appointed a search committee and hired an outside executive search firm to assist in securing the new CEO. This search will include internal and external candidates and Julie’s timing will allow for a smooth and successful transition,” stated Crook.
About Welch Allyn
Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, NY (USA), Welch Allyn is a leading global provider of medical diagnostic equipment and a complete range of digital and connected solutions. With 2,750 employees working in 26 different countries, Welch Allyn, a family owned company, specializes in helping doctors, nurses, and other frontline practitioners across the globe provide the best patient care by developing innovative products, breakthrough technologies, and cutting- edge solutions that help them see more patients, detect more conditions, and improve more lives. More information about Welch Allyn and its complete line of connected products and solutions may be found at www.welchallyn.com.
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