Vygon, an international group specialised in the design, manufacturing and marketing of medical solutions and devices, has announced the appointment of Ludovic Richard-Vitton as its new CEO.
Stéphane Regnault, who has been at the helm since January 2000, will take on the role of president of the board of directors. This new dual governance structure will give the family-owned French company a vital boost as it proceeds with the international roll-out of its industrial and commercial strategy and continues to adapt its business to recent industry requirements, including the new European Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
A graduate of EM Lyon business school, Ludovic Richard-Vitton has 25 years’ experience working in the medical devices sector. He first joined the Vygon Group in 2002 as international product manager. Working closely with healthcare practitioners, he spearheaded the development of Nutrisafe2 – one of Vygon’s flagship neonatal ranges. Richard-Vitton then went on to become head of its anesthesia/resuscitation activity, general manager of Vygon France, and, on its creation in 2017, vice-president of the Critical Care Business Unit (BU). Over the course of his long and successful career with Vygon, his responsibilities have covered everything from marketing, commercial development and industrial strategy to R&D and regulatory compliance. This wealth of experience, combined with his in-depth understanding of Vygon’s culture, will stand him in excellent stead as he now takes on the role of CEO.
“It’s an emotional moment for me to be taking on this new role for the group, in which I have invested myself over the past 20 years. I’m proud to have the backing of the shareholders and our president,” said Ludovic Richard-Vitton. “I’m excited to work alongside Stéphane to make Vygon’s ambitions a reality, while also upholding our core values and raison d’être.”
The decision to appoint Ludovic Richard-Vitton as CEO comes in response to the group’s substantial growth in recent years and changing market conditions, not least the supplyside challenges around raw materials, which require the group to be more agile, innovative and flexible in its approach.
As president, Stéphane Regnault will continue to represent the family business in its interactions with its various stakeholders. Alongside his role as the group’s spokesperson, responsible for liaising with institutions, regulatory bodies and other professional organisations, he will also be leading efforts to promote external growth.
“I’m delighted to see Ludovic taking on the role of CEO. His vast expertise in our industry and his wide-ranging skillset are vital assets that will help us shape Vygon’s strategic direction both in France and abroad. He has enjoyed great progress in all his roles within the group, which is testament to his loyalty to the business and, more importantly, proof of his ability to lead Vygon on to even greater success. I have every confidence that Ludovic will strengthen our market position and continue to deliver – and build on – the profitable growth we have enjoyed for many years,” said Stéphane Regnault. “Whilst this new governance structure helps ensure the group’s long-term future, it also respects our sense of history by promoting a longstanding member of the Vygon family. Furthermore, it ensures that we uphold one of the founding principles of our business since 1962 – our mission to add value to the work of healthcare professionals, so that patients receive the best possible care.”
The new organisation at the top of the Vygon group will be followed by internal changes within the rest of the business, in line with the group's commercial strategy. Vygon’s priority is to maintain the supply of its single-use medical devices for patients.