Welch Allyn, a leading global provider of medical diagnostic products and solutions, today announced it has appointed Stephen F. Meyer president and chief executive officer, effective April 16, 2012. Meyer enters this new role having previously served as executive vice president and chief global business officer, responsible for overseeing and advancing Welch Allyn’s global customer-facing efforts, as well as delivering revenues internationally.

Steve Meyer, President & CEO, Welch Allyn (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are excited to have Steve take over the helm of Welch Allyn,” said Eric Allyn, co-chair of the Board of Directors for Welch Allyn. “Steve knows and understands our products and markets and is an excellent fit with the values that have been the cornerstone of Welch Allyn for almost 100 years. He has a track record of growing profitable businesses and proven leadership capabilities which make Steve an outstanding choice to take Welch Allyn to the next level of performance excellence.”

Meyer replaces Julie Shimer who announced in January her desire to retire in 2012, allowing time for a successor to be named and ensuring a smooth transition for the new CEO. Shimer’s career at Welch Allyn began in 2002 when she joined the company’s Board of Directors and was subsequently appointed President and CEO in 2007.

“Julie played an important role in our company's history, particularly as we moved from a 3rd generation of owner/operators to a company led by 4th generation shareholders, and managed by non-family members,” stated Dr. Peer Soderberg, co-chair of the Board of Directors for Welch Allyn. “Julie brought a great vision to Welch Allyn, and we are confident that Steve will continue to build upon this strategy.”

Meyer is a native of Alma, Michigan. He began his career at Welch Allyn in 1981 as a sales representative in Detroit. Over the last 30 years, Steve has held a series of senior leadership roles in a variety of capacities from international sales and marketing to product development and general management including president of Welch Allyn’s North American business, which provided the foundation for his previous role as chief global business officer.

“I am honored to become the new CEO of Welch Allyn,” said Meyer. I’m equally honored to work with the Allyn family owners and the Board of Directors of Welch Allyn to develop solutions that will help clinicians effectively diagnose more patients and improve more lives,” said Meyer, “I look forward to waking up every morning and working with a great Welch Allyn team to realize the incredible potential of our business and advance our mission to help solve healthcare problems for our customers around the world.”

Currently, Meyer serves on the board of directors for TIDI Medical Products, LLC and the Health Industry Distributors Association Foundation. He is a Trustee of Alma College in Michigan. He is a past board member and chairman of MedTech (Central New York’s Medical Technology Association), past board member and president of the Health Industry Manufacturers Marketing Council, past board member of The American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation and past president and chairman of Hiawatha Seaway Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Meyer holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Alma College and earned his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Rochester. Steve and his wife Susan live in Skaneateles, NY and have two sons.

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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