MassDevice co-founder Brian Johnson is set to depart from the publication he founded nearly 10 years ago and take over as president of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC).
Johnson will succeed Tom Sommer as president of the regional medical technology association. Sommer has served as MassMEDIC’s president since the group was founded in 1996. The association is the largest regional medtech organization, representing more than 300 members.
Since Johnson launched MassDevice.com in 2009 with executive editor Brad Perriello, the site has evolved into the leading online journal of the medtech industry. MassDevice supplies daily coverage of the medical device sector, reaching more than one million readers. Johnson helped lead the strategic vision for the company, including its 2015 buyout by WTWH Media.
In 2011, Johnson launched DeviceTalks, a live-interview series featuring the medtech industry’s leaders. The event is held annually in Boston, Minnesota and California, attracting thousands of medical device executives and thought leaders. Johnson also helped found and launch Medical Design & Outsourcing, as well as Drug Delivery Business News.
Johnson
“This company has been my home for more than 10 years and it has provided me with opportunities and experiences beyond my expectations. After all, how many people get to fully execute on a business plan? I can’t say enough good things about the people I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with, both at MassDevice, as a standalone company, and at WTWH Media for the past 3 years. I will forever be grateful to the people who helped me along the way, from the interns at Boston University who helped us launch this publication, to my partners, collaborators, colleagues and customers who invested their time and resources into our success. It takes a lot of work to go from zero to more than a million readers but it was worth it. I’m excited to see how my colleagues will continue to grow our network of industry-leading publications and I am looking forward to continuing to help build out DeviceTalks Boston in partnership with MassMEDIC and the MedTech Showcase,” Johnson said.
“Brian’s knowledge of our local medical device sector, its strengths and opportunities, and his experience in media and outreach make him the perfect choice to be the next leader of MassMEDIC,” Jonathan Rennert, CEO of ZOLL Medical & MassMEDIC chairman, said in prepared remarks. “I want to thank and congratulate Tom Sommer for his outstanding leadership over the past 23 years building MassMEDIC from the ground up.”
“Whether it was fighting against the unfair medical device tax, promoting our jobs growth reports or bringing key FDA executives to see us in our region, MassMEDIC has been a partner at the side of medtech in our region,” Sommer added.
