HLT has announced the addition of Kevin Bassett as general manager. In his new role, Bassett will lead the development and achievement of HLT’s strategic business objectives and milestones in collaboration with parent company, Bracco Group. He will also be responsible for guiding the HLT transcatheter aortic valve technology through the upcoming clinical trials, regulatory approvals and commercialisation.
“The addition of Kevin Bassett as a leader for HLT is very exciting,” says Tom Morizio, president and chief operating officer, HLT. “His industry experience, especially with early stage companies, will be invaluable as we advance our business and navigate our valve through the clinical trial process.”
Prior to joining HLT, Bassett was part of Sunshine Heart, a clinical stage company developing an implantable heart assist therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe heart failure. He held the position of senior vice president of technology and operations for the past two years, managing research and development projects including the revolutionary C-Pulse system and establishing strategic business relationships to assist in the development of next generation extra-aortic balloon pump technologies. Bassett started his Sunshine Heart career in 2010 as vice president, research and development and quality assurance. In this role, he was instrumental in new product development and was responsible for other business elements such as pre-clinical activities, fundraising and quality assurance.
“This is an incredible opportunity and a very inspiring time to join HLT,” says Bassett. “This innovative company is ready to move forward and hit a new level of milestones with its valve technology, and I am looking forward to playing a role in that growth and development.”
Bassett built his medical device and business expertise through a range of different career experiences. He served in a variety of executive-level positions including senior vice president, research and development, operations and quality assurance at Acorn Cardiovascular from 2004-2010. He played pivotal roles in operations, research, development, quality and manufacturing at the early stage medical device company that developed passive restraint therapies to treat heart failure. From 1997-2004, Bassett served as the co-founder and general partner of a consulting firm focused on the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, where he honed his skills assisting clients in operations, development, regulatory affairs and quality assurance. He began his career in 1992 with senior consulting and manager roles at Anderson Consulting (Accenture) and Grant Thornton.
Bassett received bachelor’s degrees in accounting and English from St John’s University and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Bassett also served as an Officer for 10 years in the US Army Reserves.
