Dave Flaten is an accomplished senior executive with a proven track record of success in building and scaling innovative biotech start-ups, particularly in the medical device and cell therapy sectors. Over his extensive career, Flaten has demonstrated a unique ability to lead teams, drive operational excellence, and create lasting business value across diverse global markets. His expertise spans strategic planning, product commercialization, and team leadership, making him a driving force in business transformations that result in long-term growth and profitability.

Flaten’s career highlights include key leadership roles at some of the most prominent organizations in the healthcare and biotechnology industries, including Abbott Diagnostics, Ventana Medical Systems (now a part of the Roche Group Company) and Terumo BCT. His experience at these companies reflects his deep understanding of both market dynamics and the critical needs of the healthcare sector, as well as his ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes.

At Terumo BCT, Flaten served as Vice President of both the Cell Therapy Technologies and Cell Processing Business Units. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the startup and expansion of a new business unit focused on point-of-care cell therapy. His visionary leadership resulted in reversing a year-over-year revenue decline, achieving an impressive 8% growth in a challenging market. He was instrumental in expanding the sales organization across multiple regions, including China and the Asia-Pacific, while simultaneously managing an annual revenue stream of up to $70 million. Additionally, Flaten successfully integrated the Harvest business into Terumo BCT, growing the business unit’s annual revenues from $30 million to $70 million within just a few years. His ability to create and execute comprehensive business plans that align with both long-term strategic goals and market needs has been a defining trait throughout his career.

At Ventana Medical Systems, Flaten’s leadership was equally impactful. As Vice President of Primary Staining Lifecycle Management, he turned a start-up business unit into the company’s fastest-growing segment, achieving an average growth rate of 55% over two years. He introduced new products to markets in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, driving significant revenue and market share gains. Flaten’s focus on operational improvements and product performance also resulted in major cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Flaten’s earlier career at Ventana as Vice President/General Manager of the Advanced Staining Business Unit saw him manage a team of engineers, chemists, and marketing professionals while expanding the market for new systems. His ability to successfully launch products, improve system reliability, and increase customer satisfaction was a major contributor to the business’s growth.

Throughout his career, Flaten has excelled at identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities, particularly in the realm of new product research, market expansion, and brand positioning. His success in leading global product launches and building world-class sales and marketing teams has cemented his reputation as a motivational leader and strategic thinker.

With a strong foundation in global strategic planning, budgeting, and P&L management, Flaten has consistently achieved year-over-year revenue growth and market share expansion. His skills in market evaluation and penetration have been critical in driving the success of several startups, turning them into profitable, sustainable business units.

Flaten holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and has consistently applied his business acumen and technical knowledge to lead high-performing teams in the highly competitive biotechnology sector.

Dave Flaten’s leadership, strategic vision, and operational expertise make him an invaluable asset in the world of biotech and medical device start-ups, where his innovative approach continues to drive success and shape the future of healthcare technology.

• Character: Dave Flaten is a results-driven leader with a strong focus on integrity, operational excellence, and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Knowledge: He possesses deep expertise in biotech start-ups, product commercialization, and global market expansion, with a strong background in medical devices and cell therapy.
• Strategic: Flaten is adept at creating and executing long-term strategies that drive market-leading performance, focusing on sustainable growth, profitability, and innovation.
• Communication: He excels in leading cross-functional teams and articulating complex business cases to executives, ensuring alignment and driving success in global product launches.