by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | March 17, 2025
John Kowal, president of the Americas for Varian, has been appointed president and head of the Americas for Siemens Healthineers, succeeding David Pacitti, who has accepted the role of CEO for Avanos.
“We are very pleased to appoint John Kowal as our new president and head of the Americas," said Caron. "His track record of cultivating long-term, deep customer relationships has significantly contributed to our leading market position in the Varian business segment. His outstanding commercial and overall leadership capabilities make John the ideal candidate for this role.”
John Kowal joined the Varian sales team in 2005. From 2010 onward, he held several management positions of increasing scope and complexity, and in 2017 he took on the role of president of the Americas for Varian. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and graduated from the executive development program of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
“We are very thankful for Dave’s commitment over the last decade to position Siemens Healthineers as a leading medtech company in the United States,” said Darleen Caron, CHRO and member of the Managing Board at Siemens Healthineers with responsibility for the Americas. “We are particularly grateful for his leadership in building strategic Value Partnerships with world-renowned medical institutions in the U.S.”
Pacitti played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth and operational excellence while leading the marketing, sales, service, and support functions in North America and Latin America across the entire Siemens Healthineers portfolio, including medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, therapy solutions, and services.
"We are delighted to welcome David Pacitti as the new CEO of Avanos Medical," said Gary Blackford, chair of the Avanos board of directors. "David's extensive industry expertise, leadership acumen, and strategic vision make him the ideal choice to lead Avanos in its next phase of growth and success."
Avanos offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions encompassing enteral feeding and pain management/recovery.
Prior to joining Siemens Healthineers in 2015, Pacitti held several leadership roles at Abbott Vascular, including division vice president of U.S. commercial operations, sales and marketing, where he oversaw the company's North American business and played a pivotal role in key launches, including Abbott Vascular's first drug-eluting stent franchise and structural heart franchise.
Pacitti serves as chair of the AdvaMed Medical Imaging Technology Division's board of directors and on the boards for Orchestra BioMed and the Siemens Foundation.
The change will go into effect on April 14, 2025.
