NuVasive: Lambert Retiring, Blackford Rising to CFO

NuVasive, Inc. has announced that Michael Lambert intends to retire from his role as chief financial officer later this year and that Quentin Blackford, its current executive vice president of Finance, Accounting and Investor Relations, will succeed Mr. Lambert.

Lambert has been NuVasive’s CFO since November 2009. His retirement as chief financial officer, which will be effective on July 31, 2014, is for personal and family reasons. Lambert plans to stay actively employed with NuVasive through March 31, 2015 to assist with the transition to Blackford. His continued engagement will also focus on driving ongoing initiatives relating to expanding operating margin and process efficiencies.

Blackford will assume the role of chief financial officer on August 1, 2014. He will have responsibility for finance, accounting, tax, treasury and investor relations. Blackford has nearly 15 years of financial experience within medical device organizations, and that experience will be invaluable as NuVasive drives toward $1 billion and beyond in revenues with a strong focus on continually expanding profitability.

Blackford has served as NuVasive’s executive vice president of finance, accounting and investor relations since February 2014, following his tenure as senior vice president of finance & investor relations since July 2012. Prior to that, he served as vice president, finance from January 2011. Blackford joined NuVasive in 2009 as corporate controller. His experience in the medical device industry includes his time at Zimmer Holdings, Inc. where he held various roles and responsibilities, including the director of finance & controller for Zimmer’s Dental Division where he was responsible for all finance, accounting and IT activities for the worldwide division. Prior to his role at Zimmer’s Dental Division, Blackford directed the corporate-wide financial planning and analysis function for Zimmer Holdings, Inc. Blackford is a certified public accountant and obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in both accounting and business administration from Grace College.

Blackford told OTW, “I am extremely excited to be stepping into the role of CFO here at NuVasive. The future has never been brighter as we are uniquely positioned to continue our share taking top-line growth while delivering meaningful improvements in the profitability profile of our business. I look forward to continuing with our plan to drive meaningful earnings growth well into the future as we approach $1B in revenue.”