Christophe Maes Email & Phone Number

Abbott Park, Illinois, Us

As Head of Marketing OUS for Abbott's Neuromodulation division, I am responsible for driving the strategic marketing direction of our business outside the US. My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities:I lead a dynamic team of marketing professionals, overseeing marketing communications and product management. My focus is on developing and executing strategies that propel our neuromodulation products to market leadership.I play a role in shaping the future of our product line by contributing to the strategic vision for next-generation neuromodulation products. This involves defining requirements and building business cases for new products and enhancements, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation.I manage the product development process for the EMEA/APAC region, working closely with R&D, clinical, and regulatory teams. I work hand-in-hand with global marketing to bring products to market successfully. This includes managing product launches and marketing campaigns, as well as providing crucial sales support and KOL management.My responsibilities extend to maintaining strong partnerships with thought leaders, global marketing, and commercial teams.My day-to-day activities require a blend of strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership. I'm constantly adapting to changing situations, solving complex problems, and leading a large group of people towards achieving our business objectives.Ultimately, I'm responsible for the growth and development of Abbott's neuromodulation business outside the US, requiring me to balance strategic vision with practical execution in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

As a business unit director for Smith & Nephew's Orthopaedics division in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg, I lead strategic initiatives to drive growth and innovation. With full P&L responsibility for a business with $65M in revenue, I focused on reinforcing and futureproofing our orthopaedic franchises across the region.We transformed our go-to-market model in France, transitioning from an agent-based system to a direct sales approach. This initiative enhanced our market presence, brand awareness, service levels, and customer relationships. In Belgium, we streamlined organizational structures and reporting lines, optimizing our operational efficiency.A critical aspect of the role involved the implementation of global guidelines and future product pipelines, adapting them to local market conditions and stakeholder needs while ensuring compliance with MDD (Medical Device Directive) and MDR (Medical Device Regulation) requirements. This process demanded a deep understanding of regulatory affairs, market access strategies, and reimbursement landscapes across the EMEA region. By aligning our product portfolio and marketing strategies with these regulations, we ensured that our orthopaedic solutions met the highest standards of safety and efficacy. This approach not only facilitated smoother product launches but also strengthened our relationships with healthcare providers (HCPs) and key opinion leaders (KOLs), positioning Smith & Nephew as a trusted partner in the evolving medical device ecosystem.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

In my role as Sales Director for Smith & Nephew's Orthopaedics division in the BeNeLux region, I focused on reinforcing and futureproofing our market-leading position. This involved implementing strategic initiatives to enhance our competitive edge in the orthopaedic implant market, particularly in hip and knee systems.A key aspect of my responsibilities was the implementation of global guidelines and product pipelines, tailoring them to local market conditions and stakeholder needs. This process required a deep understanding of the orthopaedic landscape, including surgeon preferences, hospital procurement processes, and regional healthcare policies.To drive sales growth and market penetration, I leveraged my expertise in:- Sales strategies specific to orthopaedic devices- Key account management for major hospitals and surgical centers- Surgeon relationship management and education programs- Sales force effectiveness and training- Contract negotiations with healthcare providers and purchasing organizations- Revenue forecasting and sales analytics- Product positioning for primary and revision joint replacements- Go-to-market strategies for new orthopaedic technologies- Competitive analysis and market share growth tacticsBy aligning our sales approach with global directives while adapting to local market nuances, we were able to strengthen our position in the BeNeLux orthopaedic market. This role demanded a blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and in-depth knowledge of orthopaedic products and procedures, ensuring that Smith & Nephew remained at the forefront of the medical device industry in the region.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

As EMEA Marketing Director for Knee & Enabling Technologies, I led regional marketing initiatives focusing on early intervention, primary, and revision platforms. I managed both upstream and downstream marketing, ensuring cohesive product development, market positioning, and customer engagement in the orthopaedics sector.I spearheaded the integration of enabling technologies, including customized implants, nylon instruments, pressure sensors, and customizable trays, positioning Smith & Nephew as a leader in patient-specific solutions (PSS) and surgical precision, enhancing our competitive edge in the medical device industry.A key aspect of my role was driving the regional implementation of global strategies, adapting them to meet cultural, regulatory, and healthcare system requirements across EMEA markets. I leveraged my expertise in go-to-market strategies and cross-functional team leadership to ensure successful product launches and market penetration.I played a crucial role in streamlining our product offerings to comply with MDR and MDD requirements. This involved product rationalization, balancing short-term market needs with long-term growth objectives, and optimizing our portfolio for operational efficiency while maintaining high regulatory standards.Engaging healthcare professionals (HCPs) and key opinion leaders (KOLs) was central to our strategy. I led initiatives to strengthen relationships and drove medical education programs, including local trainings and workshops, to showcase our innovations in knee arthroplasty and enabling technologies.Throughout my tenure, I used data analytics and market research to inform decisions, ensuring our strategies aligned with surgeon needs and patient outcomes. By integrating digital and traditional marketing, we enhanced brand visibility and strengthened our position in the competitive EMEA orthopaedics market.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

As EUCAN Marketing Director for the Knee Franchise, I led comprehensive marketing efforts across Europe and Canada, focusing on early intervention and primary revision platforms. My role involved both upstream and downstream marketing responsibilities, ensuring a seamless connection between product development, market positioning, and customer engagement.I drove the regional implementation and local execution of global strategies, adapting them to meet the specific needs of diverse markets across the EUCAN region. This included tailoring our approach to align with cultural, regulatory, and healthcare system requirements, ensuring effective market penetration and product success.Streamlining our product offerings to comply with MDR and MDD regulations was a critical aspect of my role. I led initiatives in product rationalization and strategic positioning, balancing immediate market demands with long-term growth objectives, all while optimizing our portfolio for greater efficiency and compliance.Engaging with healthcare professionals (HCPs) was central to our marketing strategy. I led efforts to strengthen relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and drove medical and professional education initiatives, including local training and workshops. These programs were essential in showcasing our latest innovations and ensuring that our products met the evolving needs of the market.This role required a blend of strategic thinking, market expertise, and cross-functional leadership, enabling me to effectively support the growth and success of our knee and enabling technologies across the EMEA region.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

As Senior Global Marketing Manager in Orthopaedics, I led comprehensive marketing strategies focusing on the US market, encompassing upstream and downstream responsibilities from product conceptualization to market penetration.I spearheaded new product development (NPD) for advanced joint replacement technologies, leading cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions for complex knee arthroplasty, including novel implant designs and cutting-edge materials.Key responsibilities included:- Portfolio Management: Strategically optimizing our product portfolio to meet market demands and maintain competitiveness.- Pricing Strategy: Developing global pricing strategies, considering market dynamics and value proposition.- Product Launches: Orchestrating successful global and regional launches, ensuring cross-functional alignment.- Professional Education: Implementing comprehensive programs for healthcare professionals, enhancing product adoption.- KOL Management: Nurturing relationships with key opinion leaders in orthopaedics for product development and market acceptance.- Congress Organization: Executing impactful presence at major orthopaedic congresses.- Competitive Analysis: Conducting market research to inform strategic decisions and identify growth opportunities.- Marketing Materials Development: Creating evidence-based materials for various stakeholders.- Marketing Communication: Executing integrated strategies across multiple channels, enhancing brand awareness and product positioning.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

As Global Marketing Manager in Orthopaedics and part of the Patient Specific Solutions (PSS) marketing team, I led comprehensive marketing strategies focusing on the US market, encompassing upstream and downstream responsibilities from product conceptualization to market penetration.I spearheaded new product development (NPD) for advanced joint replacement technologies, leading cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions for complex knee arthroplasty, including novel implant designs and cutting-edge materials.Key responsibilities included:- Portfolio Management: Strategically optimizing our product portfolio to meet market demands and maintain competitiveness.- Pricing Strategy: Developing global pricing strategies, considering market dynamics and value proposition.- Product Launches: Orchestrating successful global and regional launches, ensuring cross-functional alignment.- Professional Education: Implementing comprehensive programs for healthcare professionals, enhancing product adoption.- KOL Management: Nurturing relationships with key opinion leaders in orthopaedics for product development and market acceptance.- Congress Organization: Executing impactful presence at major orthopaedic congresses.- Competitive Analysis: Conducting market research to inform strategic decisions and identify growth opportunities.-Marketing Materials Development: Creating evidence-based materials for various stakeholders.- Marketing Communication: Executing integrated strategies across multiple channels, enhancing brand awareness and product positioning.

Watford, Hertfordshire, Gb

As a local Product Manager, I actively managed the knee and shoulder implant portfolio, focusing on optimizing product performance and market positioning. My role encompassed both downstream marketing responsibilities and hands-on training support.Key responsibilities included:- Portfolio Management: Oversaw the knee and shoulder implant product lines, ensuring they met local market demands and maintained competitiveness.- Sales Support: Provided comprehensive support to sales teams, equipping them with up-to-date marketing information, competitive intelligence, and product positioning strategies.- Surgical Case Support: Assisted in covering surgical cases, offering on-site expertise to surgeons and operating room staff, ensuring optimal product utilization and patient outcomes.- Training and Education: Developed and conducted training programs for healthcare professionals, enhancing their understanding of our implant systems and surgical techniques.- Market Analysis: Conducted regular market research and competitive analysis to inform local product strategies and identify growth opportunities.- Marketing Materials: Created and adapted marketing collateral tailored to local healthcare providers and hospital administrators, emphasizing product benefits and clinical outcomes.- Product Launches: Coordinated local product launches, ensuring alignment between global strategies and local market needs.- KOL Engagement: Built and maintained relationships with local key opinion leaders, leveraging their expertise for product feedback and advocacy.- Regulatory Compliance: Ensured all marketing activities and materials complied with local regulatory requirements and company policies.This role required a blend of product expertise, clinical knowledge, and marketing acumen to effectively support the sales team and drive product adoption in the local orthopaedic implant market.

Tokyo, Jp

- Responsible for implementing different projects on a national scale both above and below the line- Development of POS materials and promotional activities with advertising agencies.

Tokyo, Jp

- Responsible for implementing a robust dealer network, selecting suitable candidates amongst the 260 direct accounts at that time. - Alongside this dealer network I maintained direct contact with large National Broadcast accounts.

Evere, Be

- Responsible for daily operations on site (5000 m², number of employees 120). - Summary of key responsibilities: Day-to-day management of a staff of 15 department managers, operations of the facility, negotiating contracts with suppliers, etc.)

Evere, Be

number of employees: 6 + coordinating training for staff and responsible for the on-site IT network.

Graduated, Masters Degree

Post Graduate, Marketing-Communication

Bachelor'S Degree, Fysical Therapist

Education record