Surgical Innovations makes management changes as CFO quits

Surgery technology company Surgical Innovations announced a number of changes to its board, management structure and responsibilities on Wednesday, confirming that chief financial officer Melanie Ross had decided to leave the group, with effect from 30 June.

The AIM-traded firm explained that Ross led the turnaround of Surgical Innovations in 2014 and 2015, and had subsequently played a “pivotal role” in developing the business through her roles as chief operating officer and CFO.

Following recent organisational changes, she had now expressed her intention to pursue other opportunities.

It said Ross would handover her finance responsibilities to company secretary and group financial controller Charmaine Day, who would report directly to chief executive officer David Marsh.

The company confirmed Day is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants, who joined Surgical Innovations in 2012 from her previous role as management accountant at Ellis Fairbank.

The group said it was continuing to strengthen its operational and compliance team at its Leeds site, explaining that as a key part of that process, Steve Seed had accepted a new position as compliance director of Surgical Innovations Limited, also reporting to David Marsh, with effect from 2 September.

Seed holds an MSc in medical technology regulatory affairs from Cranfield University, and had nearly 30 years of experience of responsibility for quality assurance, health and safety and regulatory affairs.

He was joining the firm from Xiros, where he was currently compliance director, and previously held the position of quality assurance manager and head of regulatory affairs at Surgical Innovations Group between 2006 and 2011.

“The board thanks Melanie for her considerable achievements with the group during her tenure and wishes her well for the future,” said chairman Nigel Rogers.

“We look forward to Steve joining our team in due course.

“Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the increasing challenges presented in the current regulatory environment, and will reinforce our capabilities and streamline processes in this critical area.”