Medtronic Appoints Former Amazon Exec to New Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Role

Medtronic has announced its appointment of Ken Washington, Ph.D., to the newly-created role of Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer.

Medtronic has announced its appointment of Ken Washington, Ph.D., to the newly-created role of Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. He joins Medtronic from Amazon, where he served as Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Robotics. Image courtesy: Medtronic

June 5, 2023 — Medtronic has announced its appointment of Ken Washington, Ph.D., to the newly-created role of Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. A company statement noted that Washington will leverage his extensive experience leading technology development and execution across industries including robotics, consumer products, automotive, and space, to accelerate innovation-driven growth.

Washington, who will become a member of the Medtronic Executive Committee, joins Medtronic from Amazon where he served as Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Robotics.

"Dr. Washington will help Medtronic expand use of our technology platforms across our portfolio – including robotics, sensors, implantables and AI – improving our returns on investments in innovation and expanding our technological competitive advantage to drive durable growth," said Geoff Martha, Medtronic Chairman and CEO, on the new leadership role. He continued, “I’m pleased that we’re expanding technical leadership at the highest levels of the company and look forward to leveraging Ken’s deep experience and expertise leading technology development and execution across industries. Ken’s diverse background leading teams in visioning, advancing, and launching emerging technologies makes him uniquely qualified to help us accelerate innovation and seize exciting opportunities for growth.”

Prior to his Amazon role, he was Chief Technology Officer at Ford Motor Company, overseeing development of the company's technology strategy including next-generation vehicle architectures, controls, and automated systems; and he spent seven years at Lockheed Martin in various leadership roles including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Privacy Officer and Vice President, Advanced Technology Center, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Washington earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a doctorate in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University.

More information: www.medtronic.com