HME manufacturer Invacare Corp. has made a major change to its leadership, naming a new interim President and CEO, as well as changes to its board of directors.
Geoffrey Purtill will cast off his role as SVP and general manager of Invacare’s Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa businesses to lead the company as its interim president and CEO. Invacare tapped Purtill for the leadership spot after Matthew Monaghan exited his role as chairman, president and CEO on Aug. 28.
“We welcome Geoff, who has distinguished himself throughout his tenure with Invacare,” said Cliff Nastas, Invacare’s lead independent director. “The Board has full confidence that he has the right skillset and industry experience to lead the company through this transition as we search for a permanent successor who can accelerate the achievement of our objectives.”
Invacare’s Board of Directors has already launched a search to identify and appoint a permanent CEO.
Invacare also appointed Michael Merriman, Jr. as a director and named non-executive chairman of the board. Merriman previously served on Invacare’s Board and was chair of its Audit Committee from 2014 to 2018. Merriman will also serve on the company’s Strategy Committee. As the independent chairman of the board, Merriman succeeds Cliff Nastas as the company’s lead independent director.
“We are excited to welcome Mike Merriman back to the Board and know that his leadership, financial and business management acumen and experience in transforming underperforming businesses will be invaluable to the Board as we transform Invacare,” Nastas said.