Medical Technology peak body appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Chairman of Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), Gavin Fox-Smith, today announced at the Annual-General Meeting the appointment of Ian Burgess as its next Chief Executive Officer. Mr Burgess will step into the role from Monday 30th January 2017.

A sub-committee of the Board was established to undertake the recruitment of a new CEO.

Currently, Mr Burgess is CEO of the Australian Dental Association (NSW) and previously led the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) and Ortho Group. This extensive experience made him a standout candidate for the MTAA as the medical technology industry faces ongoing reform challenges in 2017.

In the meantime, both Andrea Kunca and Allison Fox will continue in the role of co-lead of the MTAA.

Gavin Fox-Smith, Chairman of the Medical Technology Association of Australia said:

“I am delighted to announce that following an extensive national search Ian Burgess has accepted the permanent role as CEO of the MTAA.

“This is a critical time for our industry and Mr Burgess has demonstrated a track record of building relationships and engaging key stakeholders, just what the MTAA requires in what is a complex and challenging political environment for the medical device industry.   

“He has also been successful in growing previous member based organisations through implementing strategies to enhance member value proposition, increasing engagement and by applying savvy business acumen.   

“On behalf of the Board I’d also like to thank our co-leads Andrea Kunca and Allison Fox who have been in the role since September this year. They’ve both demonstrated focus and dedication over this period of transition.”

Ian Burgess, incoming CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia said:

“I am honoured to be appointed the CEO of the MTAA, an organisation very much at the centre of health reform in this country.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and working with my new team. Once I’ve had some time to settle into my new role I look forward to meeting our Members and engaging with the many stakeholders that are important to the MTAA.

“I look forward to advocating the MTAA’s aims of ensuring the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable medical technology are available to the Australian community by ensuring that patients are always the priority.”

About Ian Burgess

• Currently the CEO of the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch): The peak membership body representing dentists in NSW and the ACT, providing continuing education, member services and advocacy to support dentists and promote oral health.
• Previously CEO of the Ortho Group Pty Limited (OGL): A privately owned health business, comprising orthopaedic and sports medicine consulting and surgery, a hospital and a day surgery, radiology centres and medical supplies businesses.
• Between 2007 – 2010 CEO of the Australian Orthopaedic Association Limited (AOA): Membership body representing orthopaedic surgeons, providing specialist training, continuing education and advocacy on behalf of the orthopaedic profession.
• From 2003 – 2007, Director of the Governance Institute of Australia: Member-based professional body, specialising in governance education, training and advocacy.
• For over a decade he was a Director at East DC Couriers: A privately held transport business, specialising in niche distribution markets.
• Prior to his role at East DC Couriers he progressed through a number of roles within the Australian Association of Permanent Building Societies (AAPBS): An industry body representing permanent building societies, prior to the major societies converting to banks.
• He holds an MBA from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University. 
• He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a non-executive director of Red Nose Ltd and SIDS and Kids (ACT) Ltd.