John DeFord

DeFord will be responsible for leading all research and development activities for the company, including developing the current and future product portfolio.

“We have watched the meteoric rise of John’s career for over 35 years, from the time he was an undergraduate student interested in the nascent field of biomedical engineering, through three degrees at Purdue, and now as an established leader in the medical device industry,” said George R. Wodicka, Dane A. Miller Head and Professor of the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.

“Over the years, he has provided leadership to our Advisory Board and participated in key decisions governing the strategic growth of our School,” added Wodicka. “His contributions to the healthcare industry as a whole are incalculable. His promotion at BD is well-deserved, and he has made his alma mater very proud.”

Since the completion of the C. R. Bard, Inc. transaction, DeFord has served as senior vice president of R&D for the Interventional Segment at BD. Prior to the acquisition, he served as senior vice president for Science, Technology and Clinical Affairs at Bard. DeFord joined Bard in 2004 as vice president of Science and Technology after serving as a managing director for life science investments with Early Stage Partners, a venture capital fund. Prior to Early Stage Partners, DeFord was president and CEO of Cook Inc., now known as Cook Medical.

DeFord received a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering, in 1984, 1985, and 1990, respectively, from Purdue and has served on the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering’s Advisory board since 2001.