Richard Pellegrino

About Richard Pellegrino

I have always been fascinated by how things work. Studying mechanical engineering was a natural continuation of this practical education which led me to the most satisfying work of all—conceptualizing and bringing medical technologies that transform patients’ quality of life to market.I have served as a key member of executive teams and an R&D subject matter expert for startup, mid-sized, and Fortune 500 businesses and have shepherded organizations through all stages of growth—from raising $9M in venture capital to found a medical device company to leading a 60-member R&D team through an IPO and integrating them into the fabric of Stryker Spine following a $1.4B acquisition.I am named as a co-inventor on 60+ issued patents. From the bench to the board room, I align complex action plans with high-level corporate strategy and global regulatory requirements. All of this is in support of what I view as the most critical priority of all: designing devices and technologies that help patients live longer and better while working alongside a cadre of world class physicians and surgeons. capable of utilizing these game-changing solutionsSTEWARDSHIP SNAPSHOT- Leading best-in-class R&D organizations for VC/PE-backed and Global Fortune 100 MedTech businesses 100+-member teams | 750+-patent IP portfolio | 60+ patents |M&A/IPO/Startup Leadership- Decisive, forward-thinking R&D executive skilled at leading teams to deliver medical devices to sustain a competitive edge for startup, midsize, and Fortune 100 organizations- Deep commitment to strong customer engagement/surgeon/physician alliances to drive meaningful product development and enhancements for transforming clinical outcomes.LEADERSHIP IN ACTION- Played pivotal executive-level role in integrating K2M and Stryker Spine following a $1.4B acquisition. Restructured R&D team for maximum velocity and quality, energized and engaged fractured team, and reengineered a bloated project portfolio to allocate resources for high-impact priorities- Shepherded medical device startup from concept, IP licensing from a Fortune 100 division, and $9M in venture funding to CE Mark in 6 months. Led R&D to develop market-ready procedure (INTRACEPTTM SYSTEM) poised to revolutionize treatment of chronic lower-back pain- Headed K2M’s thriving R&D organization as company experienced 15% YOY growth to launch up to 12 products annually. Initiated company’s first formal feasibility group, championed heightened Voice of the Customer (VoC) engagement, and expanded portfolio in an entrenched market.

Experience

1. Senior Director, Research & Development

   Stryker

   Jan 2019 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Stryker Spine (K2M)| Leesburg, VAGlobal leader of complex spine and minimally invasive solutions and 3D printing for spinal applications. Retained by new parent organization to lead 90-member R&D team following acquisition. Reporting to business unit VP/GM, oversee core spine strategy and execution. Manage and evaluate 750-patent intellectual property (IP) portfolio- Orchestrated reorganization and realignment of newly created R&D department spanning NPD, discovery, feasibility, specials, machine shops, post launch, testing, and preclinical engineering to capitalize on K2M’s velocity and agility within a larger organization- Steered ground-up creation of brand-new project management office (PMO) and oversaw the introduction of a collaborative design control system that combined corporate and division-level requirements- Directed top-to-bottom evaluation and rationalization of 100+ in-flight projects to prioritize strategy-aligned initiatives, create consistency across departments, and accelerate product development and launch cycles- Represented R&D during due diligence for Mobius acquisition, a point-of-care imaging technology leader- Led launch of 7 new product development (NPD) projects to expand and complement existing portfolio with solutions including the Niagara Retractor, Everest MI XT and BOSS, Canyon Port, Capri LE, and Sahara Lateral- Sustained <2% employee attrition while integrating 2 distinct team cultures by creating and championing an environment of inclusion, formal mentoring, and comprehensive training- Introduced customer-centric design teachings and strengthened VoC interactions to glean crucial insights from practicing surgeons and deliver products that filled unmet needs to market- Upheld track record of superior performance on design history file (DHR) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) audits and effective global quality / regulatory initiatives including European Union Medical Device Regulation (EUMDR).

Education

• Wentworth Institute of Technology

  B.S., Mechanical Engineering Technology

• Wentworth Institute of Technology

  A.A.S., Mechanical Design