NAPLES, Florida – Edward Ludwig, chairman, CEO and president of BD, has succeeded Medtronic Chairman and CEO Arthur Collins Jr., as chairman of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed; Washington) board of directors.

Ludwig was voted chairman-elect by the board last year, and took office as chairman during AdvaMed’s annual meeting here last week. Since 2004, he has chaired the board’s Technology and Regulation Committee and was instrumental in guiding the association’s policy positions during the successful negotiations with Congress and FDA that led to passage of the Medical Device User Fee Stabilization Act last year.

AdvaMed noted that Collins’ tenure as chairman from 2004 to 2006 was marked by “unprecedented growth in membership,” especially with emerging growth companies. The association welcomed more than 150 such companies as members in the past two years.

Collins also was heavily engaged in promoting awareness and compliance with the association’s Code of Ethics, which sets stringent guidelines for ethical interactions between companies and healthcare providers.

“AdvaMed is fortunate to have leadership of the caliber of Art and now Ed,” said association President and CEO Stephen Ubl. “Thanks in large part to Art’s vision, the association is better positioned than at any time in its history to carry out our advocacy agenda. I know Ed will build on that.”

In addition, Boston Scientific Chief Operating Officer Paul LaViolette was named chair of the Technology and Regulation Committee, Edwards Lifesciences Chairman and CEO Michael Mussallem began his term as chair of the Payment and Health Care Delivery Committee and Stryker President and CEO Stephen MacMillan took over the chairmanship of the International Committee.

Newly elected AdvaMed board members for 2006 include Martin Emerson, CEO of American Medical Systems; Christopher Gleeson, president and CEO of Ventana Medical Systems; J. Michael McQuade, vice president of the 3M Medical Division of 3M Health Care; Cary Rayment, president and CEO of Alcon Laboratories; and Michael Thomas, president and CEO of Sleep Solutions.

— Don Long, Managing Editor