Russell Powers New VP, GM at Vexim

Russell Powers has been named Vice President and General Manager of Vexim SA, a company headquartered in France that specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of vertebral fractures.

According to the January 19, 2017 news release, “Russell brings more than 25 years of Medical Device experience in both the U.S. and International markets. Prior to Vexim, Russell has served in various leadership roles with both NuVasive and Medtronic. Most recently Russell held the position of Executive Vice President of International and President of China for NuVasive. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Operations and Senior Vice President of Spinal and Biologics at NuVasive. During his 13 year-career at Medtronic, Russell held the positions of Vice President, U.S. Sales Operations, Vice President, International and various positions in Global Marketing. Russell began his career in orthopaedics and spine with Smith & Nephew as a member of the Trauma Marketing Group. Russell received a B.B.A from the University of Memphis.”

“We are extremely pleased and honored to welcome Russell to Vexim. He brings tremendous expertise and experience that will help Vexim to define and execute its strategy in the U.S. for the Spinejack. 2017 is a very important and strategic year for Vexim: One, because we will complete and file our dossier to the U.S. FDA for and open a 500M€ [500 million euros] market for the Spinejack; Two, because our company will start to be profitable; Three, because we will continue to expand our footprint and penetration in Europe and in Key Strategic markets. Last but not least we will also continue to provide innovation to the treatment of vertebral fractures, ” said Vexim CEO Vincent Gardès.

Russell Powers told OTW, “We have already laid the ground work to create early success in the U.S. with the ongoing FDA study, market assessment and positioning strategy. The immediate next step will be to make a final decision on our commercialization plan. We are currently evaluating various go-to market strategies that include building a direct organization or finding a strategic partner. We will be investigating both options, outlining a detailed plan for the U.S. Vexim organization and meeting with strategic partners. I feel the three requirements for success in the U.S. are: (1) lead with a game changing technology (2) demonstrate superior clinical outcomes (3) provide outstanding service and support. Vexim has #1 and #2, now it is incumbent on me to ensure we have the ‘absolute best’ sales organization in the industry.”

“I am most excited about the company’s focus on spine trauma and Vexim’s ability to become the leading spine trauma company globally. Our mission focuses on both low energy and high energy trauma (as well as tumors). There is currently no single company that focuses on all fracture types. With the Spinejack launch in the U.S., I believe we can quickly move to the #3 player in the vertebral compression fracture market. We also have a robust product pipeline that will change the way spine surgeons currently treat burst fractures, allowing Vexim to also quickly penetrate the spine trauma market. We have a clear and focused strategy, our leadership team has deep industry know how and relationships, and I truly believe we will build something really special in the U.S.”