Amazon Executive Joins Medtronic to Spearhead Development in Robotics and Implantables

Memphis, TN (6 June 2023) — Medtronic has announced that Ken Washington has been appointed chief technology and innovation officer.

Washington joins Medtronic from Amazon where he served as vice president and general manager of consumer robotics, and will lead technology development across industries including robotics, consumer products, automotive and space in a newly created role, Medtronic said in a press release.

“This new leadership role will help Medtronic to harness the innovative spirit of our founders and ensure we are capitalizing on our scientific and technological knowledge to invent, innovate and disrupt the healthcare technology market of the future,” said Geoff Martha, chairman and CEO, Medtronic. “Dr Washington will help Medtronic expand use of our technology platforms across our portfolio—including robotics, sensors, implantables, and AI—improving our returns on investments in innovation and expanding our technological competitive advantage to drive durable growth.”

Prior to his role at Amazon, he was chief technology officer at Ford Motor Company, overseeing development of the company’s technology strategy including next-generation vehicle architectures, controls, and automated systems; and he spent seven years at Lockheed Martin in various leadership roles including chief technology officer, chief privacy officer and vice president, Advanced Technology Center, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

Dr Washington earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a doctorate in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University (College Station).