Driving the Medical and Scientific Affairs Division to provide the highest level of patient access and safety
Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global MedTech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, named Dr. John de Csepel to the role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective immediately.
In this role, John will report to CEO Stefan Kaufmann and drive the globally integrated Medical and Scientific Affairs Division (MSA) with a wealth of experience and remarkable track record in healthcare. Olympus is devoted to developing safe medical devices with demonstrable clinical and economic value to reduce the social burden of healthcare costs while improving healthcare outcomes for all.
Dr. John de Csepel
“As a leading global MedTech company, we must deliver optimal medical care that prioritizes patient safety to meet the expectations of our stakeholders. Today, I am delighted to announce an exciting new leader to take the team to even greater heights,” said Shigeto Ohtsuki, Olympus Chief Human Resources Officer. “We look forward to the innovative ideas, expertise, and leadership that Dr. de Csepel will bring us as we continue contributing to the advancement of healthcare.”
The MSA team aims to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care through minimally invasive solutions across targeted diseases while delivering above-market, sustainable growth.
John joins Olympus from Medtronic, where he most recently served as the Global Regions Chief Medical Officer. He played a pivotal role in driving innovative relationships with healthcare providers and enhancing patient access to care through his leadership in clinical research and medical science. Before that, he headed the Medical Affairs teams at both Barrx Medical and Covidien’s Surgical business, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise in the MedTech industry. Concurrent with his management experience, he has worked as a volunteer war surgeon for Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontiéres) from 2006 through 2014 and since then as a New York City trauma surgeon on the weekends.
John holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in medicine from Georgetown University, Washington D.C. He was a General Surgery Resident and Laparoscopic Surgery Fellow at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and subsequently served as Chief of Minimally Invasive of Surgery at New York’s Saint Vincent’s Hospital. He continues to reside in New York, U.S.A.
About Olympus
At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/ and follow our global X account: @Olympus_Corp.
Olympus, a global MedTech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, announced the plan to establish a series of Digital Excellence Centers (DECs) following acquisition of London-based Odin Vision, a cloud-AI endoscopy company with a strong portfolio of commercially available computer-aided detection/diagnostic solutions and innovation pipeline of cloud-enabled applications.
The acquisition has strengthened Olympus’ recently announced strategy and initiatives in digital health and brings the promise of AI-powered real-time diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of chronic diseases closer to reality, ultimately raising the standard of care across multiple medical specialties and improving patient outcomes.
Envisioning an intelligent endoscopy ecosystem for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers
Odin Vision is contributing to Olympus’ vision of the future of endoscopy. Combining the strength of its core endoscopy portfolio with innovative digital solutions, Olympus plans to collect and analyze procedural, clinical and medical device data in real time, and then, powered by a new, modern digital platform leveraging the latest AI algorithms and software, provide healthcare professionals with clinical and operational solutions designed to reduce administrative and cognitive burdens while also improving operational efficiency. These advancements will support healthcare institutions as they endeavor to raise their level of care.
“As a leader in endoscopy and innovator in the space, Olympus is passionate about delivering the next generation of intelligent integrated solutions and insights to healthcare providers,” said Shawn LaRocco, Global VP Customer Solutions, responsible for the digital health business at Olympus. “However, we cannot do it alone and are continuously looking to partner with other pioneers like Odin Vision who share this passion.”
Digital Excellence Centers to push the envelope of creative innovation
To enable this commercial strategy, Olympus plans to develop and establish DECs for the development of digital solutions around the world, beginning in London where the acquisition of Odin Vision has laid the groundwork. In addition to its portfolio, Odin Vision brings renowned AI and software expertise and development capabilities that synergize and further accelerate Olympus’ digital health strategy. DECs are to be located at current Olympus R&D sites in Hamburg, Boston and Tokyo, with the possibility of expanding to Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv at a later stage.
Peter Mountney, Ph.D., CEO of Odin Vision commented, “We are excited to set the stage for future innovation development by leading Olympus’ plans for the first DECs, all in the pursuit of empowering clinicians to deliver the best possible care and outcomes to patients using the latest digital and AI tools.”
“As Olympus looks to expand development capabilities in digital solutions, establishing DECs around the globe will allow us to access critical talent and to develop partnerships with start-ups and other companies who, like Odin Vision, are pushing the envelope of creative innovation,” said Karsten Klose, Global Head of Digital at Olympus.
– On stage: Olympus and Odin Vision will be on stage from 11:00-11:50 on Friday, June 8, at the center stage in the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa. They will discuss how digital solutions like Odin Vision’s are being integrated into patient care, leading to better outcomes.
– In the exhibition: Olympus will be present at the congress on June 8 and 9 can be found in Booth 826.
About Olympus
At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit olympus-global.com and follow our global Twitter account: @Olympus_Corp.
About Odin Vision
Odin Vision, now an Olympus company, is a Cloud AI endoscopy company founded by a team of eminent clinicians and artificial intelligence experts with the mission of creating the next generation of cloud AI-enabled applications for endoscopy. Odin Vision’s Cloud and AI will create a new era of healthcare by supporting doctors to deliver higher-quality care leading to improved patient outcomes, better patient experiences and increased value for healthcare providers. It has developed AI products across a wide range of imaging modalities and clinical applications.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Matthias Gengenbach
Olympus Europa SE & Co. KG
+49 15142369420 matthias.gengenbach@olympus.com
For questions or interview coordination on-site at HIMSS23:
Greg Little
Olympus Corporation of the Americas
(801) 319-2946 greg.little@olympus.com
A key driver for future business success in line with the company’s newly launched DEI strategy
Effective June 1, Wenlei Yang will be named Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global MedTech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling.
In this newly established role, Wenlei will drive, oversee and implement initiatives related to Olympus’ new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) directions set as part of the company’s global ESG strategy announced on May 12, 2023. The company will deepen measures to fully realize the DEI principles in all facilities worldwide to foster a healthy organizational culture.
Effective June 1, Wenlei Yang will be named Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Olympus Corporation. Wenlei will drive, oversee and implement initiatives related to Olympus’ new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) directions, set as part of the company’s global ESG strategy announced on May 12, 2023.
Wenlei joined Olympus in 1992 and held various roles during the following 18 years, mainly in global sales and marketing positions across China, Hong Kong and Japan. In 2010, she was assigned Head of Sales & Marketing Division and General Manager of the Imaging Business and General Manager of Olympus China. Wenlei was then appointed Regional Representative Officer, China in 2019. In 2023, she was appointed Regional Representative Officer, Japan. Moving forward, Wenlei will continue to represent Japan as the Regional Representative Officer and will also lead initiatives related to Olympus’ global DEI strategy.
“Both employees and society hold expectations of DEI that are constantly evolving, and as a leading global MedTech company, we must remain informed of global trends and implement appropriate solutions for Olympus to meet the expectations of our stakeholders,” said Shigeto Ohtsuki, Olympus Chief Human Resources Officer. “The creation of this new role will ensure a strong global governance structure for our DEI program. Together with Wenlei’s multilingual skills and extensive global management experience, her background exemplifies the benefits and goals of being committed to DEI principles. I am confident that Wenlei’s seasoned leadership will propel our organization toward our DEI goals.”
Wenlei joined Olympus in 1992 and held various roles during the following 18 years, mainly in global sales and marketing positions across China, Hong Kong and Japan. In 2010, she was assigned Head of Sales & Marketing Division and General Manager of the Imaging Business and General Manager of Olympus China. Wenlei was then appointed Regional Representative Officer, China in 2019. In 2023, she was appointed Regional Representative Officer, Japan. Moving forward, Wenlei will continue to represent Japan as the Regional Representative Officer and will also lead initiatives related to Olympus’ global DEI strategy.
“Both employees and society hold expectations of DEI that are constantly evolving, and as a leading global MedTech company, we must remain informed of global trends and implement appropriate solutions for Olympus to meet the expectations of our stakeholders,” said Shigeto Ohtsuki, Olympus Chief Human Resources Officer. “The creation of this new role will ensure a strong global governance structure for our DEI program. Together with Wenlei’s multilingual skills and extensive global management experience, her background exemplifies the benefits and goals of being committed to DEI principles. I am confident that Wenlei’s seasoned leadership will propel our organization toward our DEI goals.”
DEI efforts concerning other pillars, including age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, (dis)ability, religion, opinions and political stance, are all equally important in Olympus. [Image: Olympus]Olympus continuously works to build an inclusive culture and equitable systems, where everyone, including those within the communities it serves, is accepted for who they are, with equal access to opportunities.
The company has formulated a vision and developed a phased plan to advance all aspects of DEI in Olympus. After the foundation is set in the initial phase, company processes and systems will be reviewed through a DEI lens, making DEI part of its daily operations to further contribute to its external partners and the communities Olympus serves.
Four key themes are prioritized at the global level[1] under the DEI strategy
1. Gender and Life Priority: Further support for women employees and all care takers[2] that may have time constraints due to personal life events. 2. Nationality and Culture: Increase diversity and ensure equitable access to opportunities regardless of nationality, culture or language skills. 3. Career and Experience: Enhance employee professional experience and broaden the perspective of team and organizational coverage. 4. Inclusive Environment: Ensure an environment where everyone can speak up freely and collaborate effectively.
To address the four themes, on top of on-going initiatives[3], concrete new initiatives will continue to be introduced to global employees.
KPIs and targets to accelerate DEI initiatives
1. Achieve 30% representation of women in management roles globally and 13% at Olympus Corporation (Japan) by the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028. 2. Achieve 100% of eligible men in Japan taking parental leave by FY2026. 3. Increase nationality and cultural diversity in the organization and increase employee engagement survey scores.
[1] DEI efforts concerning other pillars, including age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, (dis)ability, religion, opinions and political stance are all equally important in Olympus. Further increases in diversity and ensuring equity in each pillar are to be driven in each region, taking regional features into account.
[2] Caretakers are people who need to both work and take care of their children, parents, or other loved ones.
[3] Includes global DEI training for managers, enhanced work-life balance support for all genders, increased opportunities to apply for global roles, language learning opportunities, and a pilot Peer Learning Program.
About Olympus At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/ and follow our global Twitter account: @Olympus_Corp.
Olympus Corporation (Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) announced today that it has been selected(1) by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) to implement the Japan-Russia Medical Cooperation Promotion Project in the field of endoscopy for the fiscal year ending March, 2021. Under the project, Olympus will promulgate gastrointestinal endoscopic/laparoscopic techniques in support of a five-year oncology plan launched by the Russian government in 2019.(2)
As part of the project, Olympus will facilitate online training programs for gastrointestinal endoscopic/laparoscopic techniques taught by Japanese oncology specialists for Russian endoscopists and oncologists. The bilateral project is being carried out in cooperation with Russia’s two premier cancer centers, the N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center and the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute branch of the Russian National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) as well as Asian Medical Education and Training Support (AMETS).(3) As part of the project’s initiatives, Olympus commits to disseminate Japan’s world-leading technologies for early diagnosis and treatment in Russia, contributing to the improvement of oncology treatment and research in the region.
Objectives of the MHLW’s Japan-Russia Medical Cooperation Promotion Project in the Field of Endoscopy (April 2020 – March 2021):
1. To help advance the Russian government’s oncology plan by implementing cancer educational activities for facilities and doctors specializing in that branch of medicine. These activities will take place primarily at Russia’s two premier cancer centers, the N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center and the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute within the NMRRC.
2. To provide opportunities for training and knowledge sharing on the latest medical technologies by Japanese physicians, contributing to the improvement of gastrointestinal cancer measures, from diagnosis to treatment, particularly for colorectal cancer.
Program activities were unveiled at the Japan-Russia Symposium on Colorectal Cancer Management and at the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation among AMETS and the two Russian cancer centers, which were held on January 19. The signing ceremony was attended by Japanese and Russian government officials, including Mr. Sergey Muraviev, Director-General, International Cooperation and Public Relations Bureau, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Dr. Teiji Takei, MHLW Assistant Minister for Global Health and Welfare, and Mr. Takeshi Matsunaga, Embassy of Japan in Russia. In addition, 1167 healthcare professionals from all over Russia attended the symposium virtually.
Supported by the MHLW since 2017, Olympus has provided its endoscopic systems for the Endoscopic Training Center at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, in addition to supporting training activities with Japanese physicians serving as instructors. The Japan-Russia Medical Cooperation Promotion Project is one of such initiatives by Olympus that MHLW has supported. Moving forward, Olympus will continue to assist with the training of Russian endoscopists, aiming to spread the application of endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and surgery.
(1) Selection was made in June, 2020
(2) Preventive program centered around cancers in the Russian government’s national “Healthcare project” that aims to reform its healthcare system. The program, which is promoted by the directors from the two major cancer centers mentioned above, targets an early cancer detection rate of 63% or greater, 5-year survival rate of 60% or greater, and a mortality rate of 17.3% or less. Colorectal cancer is currently the second most prevalent type of cancer in Russia.
(3) A general incorporated institution whose mission is to help spread access to Japan’s world-class endoscopy and other medical technologies throughout Asia by providing human resource training support and medical-related education, and by contributing to the development of academic research. (Chairman: Seigo Kitano, President of Oita University)
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 4023773 5867 matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com
Olympus Corporation (Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) today announced the launch of a new comprehensive educational platform designed to provide healthcare professionals (HCPs) all over the world with learning opportunities and training to put their skills into practice and keep them performing at their best.
The “Olympus Continuum” (www.olympuscontinuum.com) platform will empower HCPs at every stage of their career with innovative, premium education and specialized training experiences. The platform builds on the existing Olympus training program, which trains more than 25,000 HCPs annually over 1,400 courses.
Chief Medical Officer, Ross D. Segan, MD, MBA, FACS, said: “Healthcare professionals work in a variety of settings and have a multitude of needs–and their expectations for training courses have evolved well past traditional skills-based learning. Our new platform connects the continuum of care with the continuum of learning. A truly blended experience, Olympus Continuum maximizes digital self-guided pre-learning, direct in-person training, and post-learning collaboration to support healthcare professional across every stage of their career and to improve patient outcome.”
HCPs using the “Olympus Continuum” platform will enjoy the following benefits:
– Comprehensive platform programs covering basic to advanced levels: The Olympus global professional education strategy is to establish a continuum of blended learning that takes HCPs from basic to advanced, providing more educational opportunities/experiences and increasing accessibility through the utilization of technology. Hands-on courses will be provided in our 15 dedicated Olympus training labs, as well as hospitals and other labs all over the world.
– Beneficial for remote areas, including emerging countries: In some emerging countries and hard-to-reach areas, it has been difficult for HCPs to receive training or enroll in educational programs because of limited course offerings and large geographical distances. “Olympus Continuum” is a globalized and comprehensive platform of training and education experiences led by healthcare experts from around the world.
– Effective platform that fits well with current conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic: There was growing demand from healthcare professionals for on-demand, digitally-enabled virtual training and this has increased further during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This new platform exactly meets this demand and provides an excellent combination of virtual and on-site training.
Learning opportunities include hands-on courses, online learning, lectures and workshops, peer-to-peer training, accredited continuing education and on-demand learning.* To learn more about
Olympus Continuum, visit www.olympuscontinuum.com
*Implementation will vary from region to region given market environments.
About Olympus Continuum
Olympus Continuum is a newly launched educational platform for healthcare professionals that will bring the benefits of digitally-enabled learning to remote regions, as well as those impacted by COVID-19. Basic and advanced training for healthcare professionals will be provided through Olympus training centers and hospitals all over the world.
About Olympus
Olympus is passionate about the solutions it creates for the medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment industries. Olympus’ Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Olympus’ Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments. For more information, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 4023773 5867 matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com
Olympus Corporation (Olympus – Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Quest Photonic Devices B.V. (Quest – CEO: Richard Meester) for up to EUR50 million including milestone payments to strengthen its surgical endoscopy capabilities.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Quest offers advanced fluorescence imaging systems (FIS) for the medical field, enabling more surgical endoscopy capabilities, compared to conventional imaging technologies.
Fluorescence imaging refers to special light imaging technologies that utilize the properties of fluorescent dyes directed to specific anatomical structures. By using targeted dyes, in combination with specific light wavelengths, tissues or lesions that are nearly invisible under normal white light become visible. Olympus’ existing laparoscopic imaging system, VISERA ELITE II, is already equipped with fluorescence imaging technology. VISERA ELITE II uses near-infrared light to identify blood vessels or lymph nodes under the surface tissues, aiming to assist surgeons in performing safer procedures with lower complication risks. The Quest technology acquired is intended to expand opportunities for Olympus in this field.
Making the Invisible Visible
Quest offers innovative technologies for multi-spectral imaging and imaging systems for medical applications, ranging from fluorescence imaging to photodynamic therapy. The acquisition strengthens Olympus’ position as a world leader in medical imaging solutions, and delivers innovative capabilities (including 3D and 4K imaging) to surgeons, to “make the invisible visible.”
Quest’s lead product line is the Quest Spectrum Fluorescence Imaging System, which enables fluorescence-guided surgery for open and minimally invasive procedures. Kanichi Matsumoto, global head of Surgical Endoscopy at Olympus, said: “We are delighted to incorporate Quest’s advanced FIS capabilities into our comprehensive medical imaging portfolio. The combination of the Quest Spectrum product line’s leading FIS technologies with Olympus’ existing laparoscopic imaging system VISERA ELITE II will enable Olympus to offer surgeons a wide range of high quality fluorescence imaging solutions.”
New Applications and Market Growth
The global market for FIS devices is expected to grow at a compounding annual rate of more than 12%, from around US$310 million in 2018 to over US$827 million in 2027*. Increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and reconstructive surgery is helping to drive FIS growth worldwide. Furthermore, application of the FIS technology is expected to expand over the coming years, as additional fluorescent dyes are paired with targeted antibodies. Among other applications, molecular imaging will allow healthcare professionals to visualize cancerous lesions in vivo and perform cancer surgery in unprecedented ways, potentially lowering recurrence rates.
Quest also works with biotechnology companies that are developing next-generation molecular imaging dyes. These innovative dyes may enable Quest’s technology to advance diagnostic opportunities in fluorescence-guided cancer surgery.
*Source: Transparency Market Research; Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging System Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2019-2027.
About Quest
Quest Photonic Devices B.V. is a multispectral imaging leader and focuses on the medical markets of fluorescence image-guided surgery and cancer-targeted probes. Quest’s next generation Spectrum Florescence Imaging System has the ability to “see through tissue” with enhanced sensitivity, capable of accessing otherwise inaccessible information to aid the surgeon in improving clinical outcomes.
About Olympus’ Medical business
As a leading medical technology company, Olympus’ Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients and their safety. Olympus’ Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments for endoscopic and therapeutic applications. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
