AMT Medical, a company developing a next-generation minimally invasive coronary bypass platform, has appointed Geert van Gansewinkel as its new Chief Executive Officer. This leadership change occurs as the company prepares for significant clinical updates for its ELANA® Heart Bypass System. Founder Rutger Tulleken will transition to a Founder & Strategic Advisor role, ensuring a smooth handover during this pivotal period of growth and development for the company.
A Strategic Transition at a Pivotal Moment
The appointment is strategically timed as AMT Medical approaches crucial inflection points in its development pipeline. The company anticipates releasing important clinical data on graft durability and advancements in minimally invasive keyhole bypass surgery applications. These results are expected to shape the company’s path from technology validation toward structured regulatory advancement and commercial strategies, marking a new chapter.
Experienced Leadership for the Next Phase
Geert van Gansewinkel brings a wealth of experience in guiding medical technology companies through critical growth stages. He most recently served as CEO of GATT Technologies, where he successfully navigated the company from preclinical validation to full regulatory approval. His leadership culminated in obtaining a CE mark in 2023 and FDA PMA approval in 2025, leading to a successful acquisition by Johnson & Johnson.
His extensive background also includes senior leadership roles at IQVIA and The Boston Consulting Group, focusing on life sciences strategy and post-merger integrations. This track record demonstrates a proven ability to manage complex development pathways and execute strategic exits. Van Gansewinkel holds advanced degrees in International Business Administration from Maastricht University and an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona.
A Shared Vision for Growth and Innovation
The company's leadership expressed strong confidence in the new appointment to steer its future course. Idgar van Kippersluis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, noted that this is the optimal moment for a leader with van Gansewinkel’s proven expertise. He highlighted the new CEO's success in taking a company from development through to a strategic exit as essential for AMT's next phase.
In his new role, van Gansewinkel stated his immediate focus will be on preparing for upcoming clinical milestones and establishing a clear regulatory pathway. He emphasized the potential of AMT's platform to address key challenges in coronary surgery and his commitment to building long-term value. Rutger Tulleken affirmed the timing, expressing his eagerness to continue contributing to innovation and strategic partnerships in his advisory capacity.
Revolutionizing Coronary Bypass Procedures
AMT Medical aims to transform coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a durable treatment for coronary artery disease that traditionally requires invasive open-heart surgery. The company's ELANA® Heart Bypass System is engineered to simplify and standardize the procedure. This innovation is designed to enable reproducible outcomes in both beating-heart and minimally invasive surgeries, improving patient recovery.
By facilitating a more standardized workflow, the ELANA® platform supports the broader shift away from conventional sternotomy-based operations. This technology paves the way for less-invasive revascularization techniques, including a potential role in robotic coronary surgery. The company collaborates with leading cardiac surgeons and medical centers in Europe and the United States to advance its clinical applications.
The appointment of Geert van Gansewinkel marks a significant milestone for AMT Medical as it prepares to enter a new stage of growth. With his leadership, the company is strategically positioned to translate its upcoming clinical achievements into regulatory and commercial success. This transition underscores AMT Medical's commitment to advancing its innovative ELANA® platform and reshaping the future of cardiac surgery.