LivaNova Strengthens Board Leadership with Appointment of Jette Nygaard-Andersen
LivaNova PLC, a global medical technology company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with neurological and cardiovascular conditions, has announced the election of Jette Nygaard-Andersen to its Board of Directors following the company’s Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on June 10. The appointment marks an important step in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance framework and support its long-term growth strategy as it continues to expand its presence in the global healthcare and medical technology markets.
The addition of Nygaard-Andersen brings extensive international leadership experience, strategic expertise, and a proven record of driving transformation across complex organizations. Her appointment comes at a time when LivaNova is focused on advancing innovation, improving operational performance, and creating sustainable value for patients, healthcare providers, and shareholders.
Experienced Global Leader Joins LivaNova Board
Welcoming Nygaard-Andersen to the Board, LivaNova Chair William Kozy highlighted the significant expertise she brings to the organization.
According to Kozy, Nygaard-Andersen’s extensive experience in corporate governance, executive leadership, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, and business strategy will be highly valuable as LivaNova continues to execute its strategic priorities. He noted that her broad international perspective and experience serving on public company boards make her an excellent addition to the company’s leadership structure.
Nygaard-Andersen has built a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years in leadership roles across highly regulated industries. Throughout her professional journey, she has developed deep expertise in governance, organizational transformation, strategic planning, operational excellence, and growth management.
Her appointment reflects LivaNova’s commitment to maintaining a Board composed of experienced leaders with diverse backgrounds capable of helping guide the company through a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
Leadership at Coloplast and Other Global Organizations
Currently, Nygaard-Andersen serves as Chair of the Board at Coloplast A/S, one of the world’s leading medical device companies headquartered in Denmark. Coloplast specializes in products and services designed to improve the lives of people with intimate healthcare needs and operates across numerous international markets.
Her relationship with Coloplast extends back more than a decade. Since joining the company’s Board as a Non-Executive Director in 2015, she has contributed to several key governance functions. During her tenure, she has served as Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and has also participated as a member of the Audit Committee.
Her experience within the medical technology sector provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare companies operating in global markets. This expertise is expected to complement LivaNova’s strategic objectives as it continues developing innovative technologies and expanding patient access to life-changing therapies.
Successful Transformation Leadership at Entain
In addition to her work in the healthcare industry, Nygaard-Andersen is widely recognized for her leadership as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Entain plc, one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming companies.
During her tenure as CEO, she oversaw a comprehensive transformation of the organization. Under her leadership, Entain pursued significant operational improvements, digital innovation initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities that strengthened the company’s competitive position in global markets.
Her ability to manage large-scale business transformations, navigate regulatory environments, and deliver sustainable growth has earned recognition across multiple industries. These experiences are expected to provide valuable perspectives as LivaNova continues to evolve and pursue new opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Extensive Experience at Modern Times Group
Before joining Entain, Nygaard-Andersen spent 16 years with Modern Times Group AB (MTG), a Nasdaq Nordic-listed media, entertainment, and gaming company operating across Europe and other international markets.
During her long tenure at MTG, she advanced through a series of increasingly senior leadership positions. Her responsibilities expanded over time to include operational management, strategic planning, business development, and executive oversight.
Among her most notable roles at MTG were serving as Chief Operating Officer and leading multiple business units as Chief Executive Officer. These experiences allowed her to develop expertise in organizational leadership, financial management, digital transformation, and international business operations.
Her broad executive background across multiple industries has equipped her with a unique perspective on managing growth, innovation, and governance in dynamic global environments.
Strong Academic Foundation
Supporting her extensive professional achievements is a solid academic background in finance and business management. Nygaard-Andersen earned a Master of Science degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from the University of Copenhagen.
Her education, combined with decades of executive leadership experience, has enabled her to build a career characterized by strategic thinking, disciplined execution, and strong governance practices.
Commitment to LivaNova’s Future Growth
Commenting on her appointment, Nygaard-Andersen expressed enthusiasm about joining LivaNova’s Board and contributing to the company’s future development.
She noted that LivaNova has established a strong foundation and possesses a clear strategic direction for future growth. She also emphasized her eagerness to collaborate with fellow Board members and the executive leadership team to support the company’s mission of advancing innovative medical technologies that improve patient outcomes around the world.
Her comments reflect a shared commitment between management and the Board to continue investing in innovation and delivering healthcare solutions that address significant unmet medical needs.
Board Transition as Sharon O’Kane Concludes Distinguished Service
The appointment of Nygaard-Andersen coincides with the departure of Dr. Sharon O’Kane, who elected not to seek re-election after serving on the Board for more than a decade.
O’Kane joined the Board in 2015 following the formation of LivaNova and recently marked her tenth anniversary as a director. During her tenure, she played a significant role in helping shape the company’s governance practices and strategic direction.
William Kozy expressed appreciation for O’Kane’s years of service and acknowledged her many contributions to the organization. He highlighted her leadership, dedication, and thoughtful guidance during a period of important growth and transformation for the company.
Particular recognition was given to her service as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a role she held beginning in 2017. In addition, she served as Lead Independent Director between 2023 and 2024, helping provide independent oversight and governance leadership during critical periods for the organization.
Her departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in LivaNova’s corporate history, while also creating opportunities for new leadership perspectives within the Board structure.
Committee Leadership Changes Announced
Alongside the Board transition, LivaNova announced several committee leadership updates designed to maintain strong governance oversight and ensure continuity across key areas of Board responsibility.
Brooke Story, who joined the Board in 2022, will succeed O’Kane as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In her new role, she will work closely with committee members Jette Nygaard-Andersen, Chris Barry, and Stacy Enxing Seng.
Additional changes were announced within the Compensation and Human Capital Management Committee. Stacy Enxing Seng will conclude her service as committee chair, with Peter Wilver assuming leadership responsibilities. The committee will include Enxing Seng, Susan Podlogar, and Francesco Bianchi as members.
Meanwhile, Todd Schermerhorn will continue serving as Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee. Supporting him on the committee will be Chris Barry, Peter Wilver, and Don Zurbay.
William Kozy will remain Chair of the Board, providing continuity as LivaNova advances its strategic priorities and continues its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and long-term shareholder value creation.
Positioning for the Future
The appointment of Jette Nygaard-Andersen and the accompanying governance changes underscore LivaNova’s commitment to maintaining a highly experienced and diverse Board capable of guiding the company through future opportunities and challenges.
As healthcare systems worldwide continue to evolve and demand for innovative medical technologies grows, LivaNova is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities while remaining focused on its mission of improving the lives of patients. With the addition of Nygaard-Andersen’s leadership expertise and the continued strength of its Board structure, the company appears well-equipped to support future growth, innovation, and global impact in the years ahead.
About LivaNova
LivaNova PLC is a global medical technology company built on nearly five decades of experience and a vision to change the trajectory of lives for a new day. Through ingenious medical solutions in select neurological and cardiac conditions, LivaNova strives to ignite patient turnarounds. Headquartered in London, with approximately 3,300 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries, LivaNova serves patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems worldwide.
