Convatec has appointed a new leadership team following the death of CEO Karim Bitar (pictured) last month.
Jonny Mason has been appointed permanent CEO at the medical products and technologies business, with Fiona Ryder named CFO.
Mason joined the FTSE 100 firm as CFO in 2022 and took up the CEO role on an interim basis in early August when Bitar took a medical leave of absence.
Bitar, who had led the company since 2019, passed away on 27th October.
“Colleagues at Convatec are deeply saddened by this devastating news. Our sincerest sympathies are with Karim’s wife and family, and we extend our condolences to them,” read a statement from the firm on that date.
Mason has previously served in CFO roles at Odeon, Scandi Standard and Halfords, as well as finance director at Sainsbury’s throughout his near-40-year career in the industry.
The former Shell figure will now lead the MedTech, which specialises in products and services for managing chronic conditions across advanced wound care, ostomy care, continence care and infusion care.
The group employs over 10,000 people in around 90 countries and generated revenues exceeding $2 billion in 2024.
Meanwhile, Ryder will take on Mason’s vacant CFO role, having previously been the company’s group financial controller.
Prior to her time at Convatec, she spent time in executive roles at oil industry giants BP and Castrol, having begun her career at KPMG as an auditor.
“Since joining the business in 2022 as CFO, Jonny has demonstrated exceptional leadership and is highly regarded for his contribution to Convatec’s successful turnaround,” said Dr John McAdam, chair of the board.
“Jonny has extensive experience leading publicly listed and international businesses. The Board is confident in his ability to build on the successful transformation led by Karim over the last 6 years, and enable Convatec to deliver its full potential.
“Fiona’s appointment demonstrates the strength of internal talent that Convatec has built.
“She is a seasoned finance leader with a strong track record in global businesses, having led finance functions while based in the UK, US and Singapore.
“She has played a pivotal role in delivering Convatec’s focus on simplification and productivity, has been fundamental to the success of the FISBE strategy.
“I look forward to working with Jonny and Fiona to deliver value for all our stakeholders, making a real difference to the lives of people relying on Convatec’s products, services and solutions.”
Following Bitar’s passing, he said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to have worked with Karim for the past six years as he has led the successful transformation of Convatec. Karim was a much admired and respected leader, with strong values, conviction, and above all else, an unshakeable focus on people relying on Convatec products, services and solutions. His impact and legacy at Convatec will be felt for many years and he will be sorely missed by everyone who worked with him.”
Mason added: “Convatec is a brilliant business, full of talented colleagues, making a real difference to the lives of millions of people around the world.
“As we accelerate our growth and scale up the richest innovation pipeline in Convatec’s history, we have significant potential ahead of us.
“Above all else, we will remain focused on delivering our vision, pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch.
“As my close colleague and friend Karim often said, Convatec’s best days are ahead of us, and I’m determined to prove that he was right.”
Ryder said: “I am very pleased for the opportunity to continue to build on what we have achieved through Convatec’s turnaround and to support our teams to realise Convatec’s full potential.
“The opportunities ahead of us are substantial. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Jonny and the team to deliver our plans for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”