Health technology provider Royal Philips announced that Roy Jakobs is proposed to succeed Frans van Houten as the company’s president and CEO, effective October 15. Jakobs has been critical in helping Philips address ongoing medical device recall challenges, the company says.

The company says its supervisory board and Houten have agreed that with the end of his third term in sight, the time was right for the change in leadership. This announcement comes on the heels of myriad medical devices recall the company has made.

After a comprehensive evaluation of external and internal candidates, the company’s supervisory board unanimously decided to propose Jakobs as the next president and CEO of Royal Philips to its General Meeting of Shareholders. The company says Jakobs took on the responsibility for the voluntary recall notification/field safety notice for specific Respironics devices on behalf of Philips

“Roy Jakobs brings a strong international, operational and transformational track record, as well as a deep understanding of Philips, which is critical at this important juncture in the company’s growth journey,” the company says in a release. “Roy Jakobs has been successful in turning around businesses in customer-focused growth organizations and has effectively strengthened the company’s Connected Care portfolio through successful acquisitions across hospital and ambulatory care settings.”

Substantial progress has been made under Jakobs’ leadership in the execution of the comprehensive program aimed at delivering a resolution to affected patients of the company’s Respironics device recall.

An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders will be held on September 30, to appoint Jakobs as president and CEO. Houten will act as advisor to the company, supporting the transition, until April 30, 2023.

Featured image: Roy Jakobs (pictured) has been critical in helping Philips address ongoing medical device recall challenges, the company says. Photo: Philips