Seasoned managers to lead commercialization of ActicoatTM antimicrobial barrier
FORT SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA, CANADA
Dr. Michael Raymont, previously Westaim's Executive Vice President, Operations, has been appointed President of Westaim Biomedical and will lead the division as it prepares to launch its first product, ActicoatTM antimicrobial barrier, in the burn segment of the wound dressing market in the second quarter of 1998.
During the last year at Westaim, Dr. Raymont has brought a commercialization focus to three Westaim technologies--biomedical coatings, surface engineered products and electroluminescent flat panel displays, as well as improved the profitability of Westaim's industrial businesses, which consist of coin blanks, industrial chemicals and aerospace materials.
Dr. Raymont's business and research career has spanned more than 20 years and has included many senior management positions, including being president and CEO of a public company. Dr. Raymont has a Ph.D. in chemistry.
John Shaw has been appointed Vice President of Sales and Marketing reporting to Dr. Raymont. Mr. Shaw will also be President of Westaim Biomedical's U.S. subsidiary and responsible for the implementation of Westaim Biomedical's worldwide marketing strategy.
Mr. Shaw has an extensive background in the U.S. health care and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to joining Westaim, Mr. Shaw was President of Kensington Research Inc., a U.S.-based management consulting firm for health care, chemical and technology companies. Mr. Shaw successfully led new product launches, and consulted on company mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he was Director, Corporate Medical Management, for SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, where he directed national sales, customer service and product marketing. Mr. Shaw earned his MBA from Harvard University.
Dr. Rob Burrell, the creator of Westaim's ActicoatTM infection control technology, will continue as Director of Science and Technology, reporting directly to Dr. Raymont.
Joseph Army has been appointed Director, Finance and Administration of Westaim Biomedical's U.S. subsidiary, reporting to Mr. Shaw. Mr. Army was previously a strategy consultant with Coopers and Lybrand in the eastern United States. Mr. Army has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Public Accountant.
"Filling these key positions is a critical step in building a significant fast-growing biomedical division, especially as we prepare to launch our ActicoatTM antimicrobial barrier," said Westaim President and CEO Kevin Jenkins.
ActicoatTM biomedical coating technology uses thin, soluble silver films to release an effective concentration of antimicrobial silver for several days. Silver is well known for its ability to fight infection. Studies have demonstrated the product's effectiveness in killing bacteria. Initially used with burn wound dressings, other potential uses include chronic wound care for diabetic, venous stasis and pressure ulcers and infection control in catheters and orthopedic devices. Westaim chose the burn wound market as the initial target for ActicoatTM technology because the risk of infection is very serious in large, high severity wounds.
Westaim has a portfolio of new business opportunities consisting of Westaim Biomedical, Westaim Display Technologies and Westaim Surface Engineered Products. Westaim also manufactures aerospace materials, chemicals and coin blanks. Westaim is a TSE 300 company listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange, The Alberta Stock Exchange and the Montreal Exchange under the trading symbol "WED".
*Acticoat is a registered trademark of The Westaim Corporation.
For more information contact:
Tony Johnston
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
(403) 234-3103
tjohnsto@westaim.com
website: www.westaim.com
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