In Devices, Abbott Bulks Up: An Interview with Rick Gonzalez

Executive Summary

Abbott's recent acquisition of Guidant's vascular business was an important boost in the company's efforts to build a major cardiovascular franchise, but it was only the latest in a concerted effort to create a broad-based device business. One of the key architects of Abbott's growth in the field is COO Rick Gonzalez. In the an interview, Gonzalez looks back on a career that has taken him to the top at Abbott and reflects on what the Guidant deal and other important moves will mean to Abbott's device operations.