Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> December 14, 1998

James T. Treace – Xomed Surgical Products (xomd)

JAMES T. TREACE is President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Xomed Surgical Products, Inc., Mr. Treace has 30 years management experience in the medical device industry with emphasis in the orthopaedic, arthroscopic and microsurgical ENT markets. His business knowledge incorporates all areas in product development, executive management, business turnarounds in both public and private companies, and one start-up. During his career he has worked for the following medical device companies: As Sr. Vice President (1966-1981) of Smith & Nephew Richards, an orthopaedic and ENT device company. President & CEO of Linvatec (1981-1993), the 2nd largest arthroscopic instrument company. In 1993 he and business partner, Barry Bays formed TreBay, a micro endoscopy ENT and orthopaedic company. In 1996 TreBay was merged into Xomed, bringing his management team and a strong portfolio of new ENT products. In October 1996, Xomed completed it's IPO and a secondary offering in July 1998, netting the Company $75 million, which was used to retire debt and general corporate purposes. Mr. Treace is currently serving on the Board of Directors of American Medical Systems (AMS) and is a past member of the Board of Directors of The Health Industry Manufacturers Association (HIMA). Profile
TWST: Please give us a brief overview of Xomed, your history, products,

customers, those kinds of things.

Mr. Treace: Xomed was formed in 1970 as a specialized medical device