The Beat Executive Series: Innovating for Better Patient Outcomes: Medtronic's Approach with Ken Washington
About Ken Washington:
Ken Washington serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Medtronic, leading the charge in accelerating innovation through strategic product development and technology initiatives. With a wealth of experience spanning various industries including robotics, consumer products, automotive, and space, Ken joined Medtronic in 2023, bringing deep expertise in technology development and execution.
As a visionary leader, Ken inspires and motivates teams to push the boundaries of invention and innovation, driving positive market disruptions. He collaborates closely with teams and leaders across Medtronic to ensure the continuous advancement of products and therapies in alignment with the company's mission to better serve patients and customers.
Prior to his role at Medtronic, Ken held notable positions including Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Robotics at Amazon and Chief Technology Officer at Ford Motor Company, where he oversaw the development of technology strategies and next-generation vehicle architectures. With seven years at Lockheed Martin, Ken held various leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of the Advanced Technology Center.
Ken is internationally recognized as a thought leader in technology and innovation, with accolades including induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2020 and the Black Engineer Hall of Fame in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a PhD in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University.
Things You’ll Learn:
- Medtronic impacts two patients every second, showcasing the scale of their influence in healthcare.
- Innovation is key for Medtronic, as they continuously strive to engineer the extraordinary.
- Staying focused on its mission helps Medtronic differentiate its products in a competitive market.
- Medtronic's AI Center of Excellence accelerates the development of AI-enabled therapies for better patient care.
- Medtronic's mission is to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life through innovative therapies.
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