BD Names John DeFord Chief Technology Officer

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical technology company based in Franklin Lakes, appointed John A. DeFord as executive vice president and chief technology officer.

DeFord, 56, will report to Tom Polen, president of BD, and will be responsible for leading all research and development (R&D) activities for the company, including developing the current and future product portfolio.

“John is a recognized leader with more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry, with expertise overseeing innovative R&D and technology-based initiatives that have made significant effects on saving and improving lives for patients around the world,” Polen said. “He will drive organizational culture, capabilities, products and technology-enabled services to further strengthen the BD innovation funnel, while advancing the world of health through new innovations and solutions for our customers and patients.”

Since the completion of the C. R. Bard, Inc. transaction, DeFord has served as senior vice president of R&D for the Interventional Segment at BD. Prior to the acquisition, he served as senior vice president for Science, Technology and Clinical Affairs at Bard. DeFord joined Bard in 2004 as vice president of Science and Technology after serving as a managing director for life science investments with Early Stage Partners, a venture capital fund. Prior to Early Stage Partners, DeFord was president and CEO of Cook Inc., now known as Cook Medical.

DeFord serves on the board of directors of NuVasive and is a member of the executive faculty at the Krannert School of Management and Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and a doctorate in electrical and biomedical engineering from Purdue. DeFord is published in multiple scientific journals, holds numerous patents and has been recognized with several industry honors.

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