West Wireless Health Institute Names Donald Casey to Serve as its CEO

Former Worldwide Chairman of Johnson and Johnson Comprehensive Care Group to Lead Institute's Mission to Accelerate Wireless Health Innovation

SAN DIEGO, March 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The West Wireless Health Institute (WWHI) today announced Donald Casey has been named the Institute's first chief executive officer (CEO).  He will also serve on the Institute's board of directors.  Casey, former worldwide chairman of Johnson and Johnson's Comprehensive Care group, will assume the role immediately.  

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WWHI, founded in March 2009 with a $45 million gift from the Gary and Mary West Foundation, is one of the world's first medical research organizations dedicated to cutting the cost of health care by identifying, creating, validating and commercializing the use of wireless technologies to transform medicine.  In addition to founding the Institute, Gary West is chairman of the board.  The nonprofit Institute is headquartered in San Diego, California, the global hub for wireless life science research and development.

"When we launched our worldwide search for our first CEO last year, I said we would be patient, yet relentless when it came to finding the right person to lead this Institute, and in hiring Don Casey our approach has paid off extremely well," said West.  "Don knows health care inside and out, and has a stellar track record in identifying and commercializing innovative products.  He is one of the most passionate people Mary and I have ever met.  We have no doubt he and his staff will accelerate wireless health innovation into the marketplace enabling health care systems around the world to begin realizing better patient outcomes at substantially lower costs."

As the Institute's inaugural CEO, Casey will drive the development of a world-class research organization focused on accelerating wireless health innovations, technology incubation, advocacy and education.  He will be responsible for defining the Institute's global strategy and collaborative efforts across medicine, engineering, technology and business.

"The West Wireless Health Institute is focused on identifying and creating innovative health care solutions to deliver superior outcomes at lower cost," said Casey.  "I am proud to be a part of this emerging industry and to lead the Institute that will define a transformative model of health and wellness for years to come.  Our team is committed to doing whatever it takes to accelerate wireless health technologies, which will save and improve the quality of people's lives around the world."

Casey will work closely with Dr. Eric J. Topol, the Institute's chief medical officer and a member of the board, to identify opportunities for clinical trials and other medical research activities.

"I've known Don for many years and have greatly admired his many accomplishments over the course of his career, and I regard him as a veritable visionary for the future of health care," said Topol.  "We have chosen an exceptional leader who knows how to translate innovation into reducing the cost of health care while improving patient outcomes.  He will generate strong partnerships, relevant research and a valuable knowledge base, all with this primary goal in mind."

In Casey's previous role as worldwide chairman for Johnson & Johnson's Comprehensive Care group and member of the Company's Executive committee, he oversaw its cardiovascular, diagnostic, diabetes and vision care franchises around the world.  He was responsible for defining a corporate-wide comprehensive approach to chronic disease management, including leading the development of patient-centric solutions and innovations within the medical device segment for some of the world's most pervasive conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.  His prior responsibilities included management of direct-to-consumer product areas including diabetes and contact lenses with a focus on direct-to-consumer health care products.  Casey began his career with Johnson & Johnson in 1985, advancing into executive positions throughout the company's consumer, pharmaceutical and medical device franchises.  Casey holds an M.B.A. and bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame.

For more information on WWHI, please visit www.westwirelesshealth.org.

ABOUT THE WEST WIRELESS HEALTH INSTITUTE

The West Wireless Health Institute (www.westwirelesshealth.org) is one of the first medical research organizations in the world supporting the exploration and application of wireless technologies to advance human health and well-being.  Based in San Diego, California, the nonprofit Institute is fostering an unprecedented convergence of science, medicine, engineering and technology.  Its primary mission is to cut health care costs by improving medical practice.

SOURCE West Wireless Health Institute