Medtronic confirms executive changes

Medtronic Inc. confirmed Thursday that it has made several high-level management changes.

Under the new organizational structure the Fridley company confirmed Thursday, cardiovascular division leaders for Coronary, Endovascular and Structural Heart will report directly to Michael Coyle, executive vice president and group president, Cardiac and Vascular Group. As a result, Scott Ward's position as business unit president will be eliminated, according to Medtronic spokesman Chuck Grothaus.

Ward, who has been with Medtronic for nearly 30 years, will leave the company "following a period of transition" in which he will continue as the chairman of the Medtronic Foundation. Ward will also assist in integrating recent acquisitions, the company said.

In addition, Christopher O'Connell, the head of the Spinal, Neuromodulation, Diabetes and Surgical Technologies businesses (now called the Restorative Therapies Group), is changing the top management structure in the Spinal business. Steve La Neve will leave the company's Spinal and Biologics business unit.

Chairman and CEO William Hawkins III had hinted at the changes on a conference call with analysts Tuesday, but offered few details.