Shalom Jacobovitz Named CEO of American College of Cardiology

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American College of Cardiology Board of Trustees today announced that Shalom "Shal" Jacobovitz has been selected as the college's chief executive officer.

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"Shal has a track record that demonstrates he is the right person to lead a strong organization like the ACC and to take it to the next level at a time when health care is undergoing massive changes," said ACC President John Gordon Harold, MD, MACC. "He is an innovative and proven leader as well as a successful mentor and team builder. Shal brings a unique perspective at a time when the College is ramping up to meet the evolving needs of cardiovascular professionals domestically and around the globe."

Jacobovitz comes to the ACC from Actelion Pharmaceuticals U.S., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in cardio-pulmonary therapies, where he has served as president since 2004. At Actelion, Jacobovitz developed a strong patient- and customer-centered corporate strategy, which he implemented globally.

"This is an exciting time for the College," said former ACC President William Zoghbi, MD, MACC, who led the CEO Search Committee. "Shal comes to the ACC with more than 25 years in health care, including extensive international and domestic experience. He shares the College's commitment to quality, innovation and strategic management, and we are confident he will advance the ACC's mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health."

Prior to Actelion, Jacobovitz held positions at F. Hoffmann La Roche, where he served as general manager for Central America and the Caribbean, led the Pharmaceutical, OTC and Diagnostic divisions, and served as the global lifecycle leader for cardiovascular products in Basel, Switzerland. He also held positions with Abbott Canada, Nordic Labs and Marion Merrill Dow (now known as Aventis) in Canada. Jacobovitz earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

"It is a privilege for me to join the ACC," Jacobovitz said. "The College is a thriving medical professional society that is well positioned to be at the center of rapid changes in health care. I look forward to working with the ACC's dedicated professional staff and member leaders to build on the College's legacy of leadership in quality improvement, patient-centered care, clinical education and practice excellence."

Jacobovitz was chosen as CEO following a year-long nationwide search led by executive search firm, Korn/Ferry International. He will assume the role beginning in May. During the search period, Tom Arend, ACC's chief operating officer and general counsel, served as interim chief staff officer for the College's more than 350 staff.

The mission of the American College of Cardiology is to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health. The College is a 43,000-member medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers. The College is a leader in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The ACC provides professional education, operates national registries to measure and improve quality of care, disseminates cardiovascular research, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet stringent qualifications. For more information, visit cardiosource.org/ACC.

SOURCE American College of Cardiology