Smith & Nephew CEO Olivier Bohuon was diagnosed with cancer.
Mr. Bohuon’s cancer is treatable and he’ll remain CEO with continued involvement in running the company throughout the treatment period. He’ll begin treatment later this month including chemotherapy and expects his treatment regimen to conclude in “late autumn,” according to a company report.
Smith & Nephew’s board approved provisional governance procedures to ensure the company will continue operating throughout Mr. Bohuon’s treatment. If necessary, board Chairman Roberto Quarta will provide executive oversight.
“Olivier has set a clear strategy that is invigorating Smith & Nephew’s growth profile,” said Mr. Quarta. “I am confident that Olivier and his team will continue to execute the plan successfully. Our thoughts are with him as he undergoes treatment.”
In the meantime, Mr. Bohuon will give a presentation, along with CFO Julie Brown, on the company’s full year financial report later this week. The company expects to deliver underlying revenue growth in 2015, but a significant currency headwind could mean a negative 8 percent impact on reported revenue.
The company completed its acquisition of Blue Belt, the maker of the Navio surgical system for partial knee replacements in early January.