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Freudenberg Medical’s C Suite Plays Musical ChairsFreudenberg Medical’s C Suite Plays Musical Chairs

Former COO Michael McGee succeeds Mark Ostwald to lead the contract development and manufacturing organization serving medical device OEMs.

Norbert Sparrow

January 15, 2025

2 Min Read
Freudenberg Medical executives Michael McGee and Mark Ostwald shake hands
Michael McGee (left) takes the reins from Mark Ostwald to lead the company.Image courtesy of Freudenberg Medical

Former Freudenberg Medical Chief Operating Officer (COO) Michael McGee has succeeded Dr. Mark Ostwald as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025, the company announced today. Ostwald has transitioned to another undisclosed leadership role within the contract design, development, and manufacturing partner to medical device and pharmaceutical OEMs.

McGee joined Freudenberg Medical as COO in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the medical device industry. His appointment to CEO reflects a commitment to continuity and alignment with the company’s values and long-term strategy, said Freudenberg Medical in the news release.

Customers will always come first

Under McGee’s leadership, Freudenberg Medical said it will continue to prioritize a customer-centric ethos by investing in advanced technologies, people, and processes. “Since joining Freudenberg Medical, I have been deeply inspired by our company values and our talented global team with proven expertise in materials and technologies. Together, we will build on this strong foundation and drive meaningful advancements in healthcare,” McGee stated. “We remain steadfast in delivering consistent strategic partnerships and prioritizing customer success.”

Former CEO Ostwald served Freudenberg Medical for 16 years in various leadership roles. During his tenure, the company reportedly doubled its annual revenue, expanded its global manufacturing footprint by one-third, and integrated three joint ventures.

Growing footprint in Costa Rica, Ireland

In February 2024, Freudenberg broke ground on a $25-million facility in Costa Rica. The 100,000-square-foot building, which will be built over three years during two construction phases, will be dedicated to the assembly of high-volume minimally invasive catheters and other medical devices that require precision manual assembly. The first tranche of the plant is expected to begin operations early this year.

In 2023, the company expanded its manufacturing footprint in Galway, Ireland, by 50%. The expansion was driven by heightened demand for minimally invasive medical devices, including catheters, hypotubes, needles and balloons.

“Leading this extraordinary organization was an honor and a privilege,” said Ostwald. “Michael is passionately committed to our strategy and values, developing our people, and delivering high-quality products to improve patients’ lives. I am convinced that Michael is the right leader to take Freudenberg Medical to the next level of success.”

Vertical integration mindset

Freudenberg Medical offers a range of vertically integrated capabilities, including the development and manufacture of minimally invasive medical devices, surface treatment services, and injection molding and extrusion. It operates 11 manufacturing sites that are typically located in key global medtech hubs. Headquartered in Beverly, MA, Freudenberg Medical is part of Germany’s Freudenberg Group, a conglomerate that reportedly generated sales of €11.9 billion in 2023.

About the Author

Norbert Sparrow

Editor in chief of PlasticsToday since 2015, Norbert Sparrow has more than 30 years of editorial experience in business-to-business media. He studied journalism at the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes du Journalisme in Strasbourg, France, where he earned a master's degree.

www.linkedin.com/in/norbertsparrow

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