In a significant development for the surgical robotics sector, CMR Surgical has announced the appointment of Chris O'Hara to spearhead its commercial endeavors in the United States. This strategic leadership addition comes as the company aims to broaden the reach of its innovative Versius multiport soft tissue robot across the American healthcare landscape. The move is particularly timely, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent clearance of the Versius system, paving the way for its wider adoption in surgical procedures. O'Hara's extensive background in the medical device industry, particularly within surgical robotics, positions him to drive CMR Surgical's growth and challenge existing market leaders. This expansion signifies a pivotal moment for the company, as it seeks to capitalize on its technological advancements and established global presence to capture a substantial share of the U.S. market.
Chris O'Hara assumed his new responsibilities as Commercial President and General Manager for the U.S. on Monday, August 19, 2025. His recruitment is a direct response to CMR Surgical's strategic objective of scaling up operations in the United States, an ambition that gained significant momentum after the FDA granted marketing authorization for the Versius system in October of the previous year. This regulatory approval was a crucial milestone, allowing CMR Surgical to officially introduce its advanced robotic platform to the U.S. healthcare providers and patients.
Prior to joining CMR Surgical, O'Hara held key senior leadership positions within the medical technology industry, including a role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Virtual Incision. His professional experience also encompasses significant tenures at industry giants such as Intuitive Surgical, a long-standing leader in surgical robotics, and Globus Medical, a prominent player in musculoskeletal solutions. This diverse background has equipped O'Hara with invaluable insights into market dynamics, commercial strategy, and team building within the highly competitive medical device space.
In his new capacity, O'Hara will be an integral part of CMR Surgical's executive team, reporting directly to CEO Massimiliano Colella. His primary mandate will involve formulating and executing the commercial strategy for the U.S. market. The company, headquartered in Cambridge, U.K., has expressed strong confidence in O'Hara's ability to cultivate successful commercial teams and stimulate strategic growth, which will be essential for their ambitious expansion plans. The Versius system has already demonstrated its efficacy globally, having been utilized in over 36,000 clinical procedures across more than 30 countries, solidifying its position as the world's second most frequently used soft tissue surgical robot.
CMR Surgical is actively positioning itself as a formidable competitor against established players, particularly Intuitive Surgical, in the rapidly evolving domain of surgical robotics. To bolster its U.S. expansion initiatives, the company recently secured a substantial $200 million financing round. This capital infusion is earmarked specifically for the commercial rollout of the Versius system in the American market, highlighting the strategic importance of this region for CMR Surgical's global growth trajectory. The company’s innovative approach and increasing market penetration indicate a promising future as it aims to redefine surgical care through advanced robotics.
The appointment of Chris O'Hara marks a strategic pivot for CMR Surgical as it intensifies its focus on the burgeoning U.S. market. With the FDA's endorsement of the Versius system and a fresh injection of capital, the company is well-positioned to leverage O'Hara's expertise in market penetration and commercial development. This move underscores CMR Surgical's dedication to broadening access to its advanced robotic technology, aiming to significantly impact the landscape of soft tissue surgery across the nation.