Headquarters:
North Ryde, NSW
Year founded:
1958 (California, USA), 2001 (Australia)
Number of employees:
120
Phone:
+61 2 88996373
Email:
Samantha_Alkin@Edwards.com
Website:
edwards.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/edwards-lifesciences
“Our employees can expect a company that values its employees and provides a clear sense of purpose, development, and career opportunities”
Samantha Alkin,
Edwards LifescienceS
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES
Pat Williams
Managing Director and Vice President
Samantha Alkin
Director Human Resources
Sarah Chard
Business Unit Director, Critical Care
Leadership
Pat Williams, Vice President /Country Manager ANZ and Korea at Edwards Lifesciences, is passionate about healthcare in Australia, New Zealand and Korea.
He and the team have established the Edwards Lifesciences brand, working as partners with government/regulatory agencies, clinicians, executive leaders, patients and patient advocates to ensure awareness and continued access to the portfolio of innovative, life-changing and life-saving products which Edwards Lifesciences provides.
Pat is passionate about the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation – Every Heartbeat Matters – focusing its talent and relationships to support activities for those less fortunate across ANZ and the broader APAC region.
Managing Director and Vice President
Pat Williams
Sam Alkin began her professional journey in the field of finance, where she worked for one of Australia’s largest banks, Westpac, after completing her commerce degree. However, she later decided to pivot her career and transition into the field of human resources. Following her time at Westpac, Alkin gained valuable experience across various industries including manufacturing, IT and life sciences, working with reputable organisations such as Berendsen Fluid Power, Lexmark, IMS Health, IQVIA and Cardinal Health. With over 26 years of experience as an HR professional, Alkin has developed a strong expertise both within Australia and globally. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in acquisitions and mergers, showcasing her passion for talent development and fostering a diverse culture.
Director Human Resources
Samantha Alkin
Sarah Chard has over 25 years of experience in healthcare encompassing clinical practice and commercial leadership. She has led senior roles across sales, marketing, operations and general management with iconic medtech multinationals. Chard has a depth of experience working with global executive teams, commercialising new and established technologies in competitive markets, With demonstrated experience in business transformation, she is a results-driven, passionate builder of high-performance teams. She is adept at creating accountability and driving profitable growth and is committed to developing people.
Chard is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and forming relationships based on mutual respect and trust, and she drives relevance for employees and customers through a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. Her formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing - Critical Care, an MBA and an Advanced Leadership Program.
Business Unit Director, Critical Care
Sarah Chard
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Rachael Todd
Director, Market Access
Rachael Todd has extensive experience across health economics, market access, regulatory affairs and government affairs in the medical devices’ arena. She has progressed her career through the sales with organisations including Stryker, J&J and Abbott Point of Care. Todd set up an organisation in Thailand to include regulatory, clinical, sales and marketing, market access departments, she has been instrumental in building up relationships with KOLs and setting up advisory boards and building high-performing teams.
Todd holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Sydney, Cardiac and Respiratory Technologist (DIP ASCT) qualification from Auckland Greenlane Hospital, and Associate of Cardiopulmonary Technology from Greenlane Hospital/Massey University. She also has a Diploma in Personal Training from Les Mills Academy of Personal Trainers and a Diploma of Teaching from Otago University/Dunedin Teachers’ College.
Director, Market Access
Rachael Todd
Christy Thiel
Senior Director, Clinical Affairs
Christy Thiel has been managing clinical affairs for APAC and has completed both my Master’s Degree in Public Health and Master’s Degree in Health Law through the University of Sydney. She started her career as a diagnostic radiographer for nine years before moving into a clinical research coordinator role at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Thiel then joined corporate life with Stryker in their orthopaedic research department. After two years, she moved to Smith + Nephew, where she worked for over seven years, gradually moving into the role of regional clinical operations manager for the ANZ, JAPAC and emerging markets region. Thiel's medical background assisted her in better understanding the environment in which we conduct our clinical trials and interacting with medical staff and personnel.
Senior Director, Clinical Affairs
Christy Thiel
Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. The company is driven by a passion for patients, and is dedicated to improving and enhancing lives through partnerships with clinicians and stakeholders across the global healthcare landscape.
“Edwards focuses on innovative technologies that are designed to help patients live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Our employees can expect a company that values its employees and provides a clear sense of purpose, development, and career opportunities,” says Samantha Alkin, director of human resources.
Prospective employees are often drawn to Edwards due to its reputation for cultivating a unique and inspiring atmosphere.
In recent years, the company has placed significant emphasis on strategic planning, particularly in talent acquisition and development, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills and training to thrive.
“We have a range of programs suited to all employees, from external development such as subject matter development, industry development and further tertiary qualifications,” says Alkin. “Not to mention our Edwards University, which offers an array of programs to assist our employees in their self-development areas.”
“Our sense of purpose within the communities we serve, our dedication to healthcare, each other, and our distinctive company culture set Edwards apart”
Samantha Alkin,
Edwards LifescienceS
James Barrett
Director, Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies
Maneesha Pillay
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Polo Guilbert-Wright
Director, Government Affairs
Simon Williams
Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International
and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955
James Barrett started his career in sales in the pharmaceutical industry and progressed to hold positions in finance and marketing, before moving to medical devices, which he has been in for the past 16 years across large multinationals and local distributors in a range of roles, including sales and marketing management, business and therapy development, country director and finally business unit director across both Australia and New Zealand. Barrett holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Lincoln University.
Director, Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies
James Barrett
Maneesha Pillay brings over 16 years of extensive experience in regulatory and quality, dedicated to ensuring compliance, and contributing towards making innovative technologies available to patients in a dynamic and evolving industry.
After completing her studies in public relations, she embarked on a marketing career with a decade-long tenure in broadcasting. Following this, she shifted her career trajectory towards regulatory affairs in the medical device industry, obtaining qualifications in Regulatory Affairs, Quality Management System Requirements (ISO 9001), Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 13485), Health Science – Nutrition, and an Executive MBA.
Maneesha is driven by commitment and passion in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes through regulatory excellence, with a demonstrated history of regulatory success.
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Maneesha Pillay
Polo Guilbert-Wright has over 17 years of experience working in government relations, public policy and communications in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. He has worked for and with state and federal governments throughout his career across a range of sectors, including within the medical technology sector, which has been involved in some of the most challenging reforms in the past decade.
Prior to Edwards Lifesciences, Guilbert-Wright worked for MTAA, and the UK government and Home Office. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from the London School of Economics and degrees in Arts/Law from the University of New South Wales.
Director, Government Affairs
Polo Guilbert-Wright
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Edwards remains committed to employee wellbeing and overall satisfaction, continuing to invest in areas such as wellness, diversity and inclusion, flexible work arrangements and recognition and rewards programs.
By promoting wellness through initiatives like yoga classes and mental health workshops, Edwards aims to bolster overall employee health and productivity.
Creating diverse work environments is also a priority for Edwards, recognising the positive impact inclusivity has on creativity, innovation and collaboration. This involves building on existing policies and implementing additional Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
“In 2024, we introduced three additional ERGs: Enable, focused on initiatives for disabilities; Multiculturalism, promoting awareness of different cultures, beliefs and practices; and Rainbow Alliance, which supports programs around LGBTIQA+ inclusion. These programs and awareness sessions continue to evolve to support all our employees,” says Alkin.
Through flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, Edwards employees can better manage their work and personal lives, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction. Recognition and rewards programs, such as awards, stock options, and bonuses, are also implemented to acknowledge and celebrate employees.
Other initiatives aimed at boosting employee engagement include:
• providing outdoor recreational spaces like table tennis areas, BBQ spots, and community gardens
• organising social committee events such as Mardi Gras and Pride celebrations, as well as events honouring occasions like Mother’s Day
• hosting webinars on relevant topics such as cost-of-living and psychological safety
• offering quarterly open access to the managing director, with the boardroom open over lunchtime for employees to provide feedback
Alkin says, “Our sense of purpose within the communities we serve, our dedication to each other, and our distinctive company culture set Edwards apart. Recognising that our people are our most valuable asset, we heavily invest in our talent and organisation strategy to ensure our workforce thrives.”
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ACCOLADE WINES
Through maintaining an employee engagement score of 80 per cent, Accolade strives to create a welcoming and diverse environment where talent is excited to come to work every day.
“At Accolade Wines, we create an organisation where employees will realise their potential, helping us to realise ours. We are a global company that thinks, acts and moves at the speed of a start-up. Our focus is on fostering a dynamic, performance-driven, celebratory culture,” says Murfet.
Edwards remains committed to employee wellbeing and overall satisfaction, continuing to invest in areas such as wellness, diversity and inclusion, flexible work arrangements and recognition and rewards programs.
By promoting wellness through initiatives like yoga classes and mental health workshops, Edwards aims to bolster overall employee health and productivity.
Creating diverse work environments is also a priority for Edwards, recognising the positive impact inclusivity has on creativity, innovation and collaboration. This involves building on existing policies and implementing additional Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
“In 2024, we introduced three additional ERGs: Enable, focused on initiatives for disabilities; Multiculturalism, promoting awareness of different cultures, beliefs and practices; and Rainbow Alliance, which supports programs around LGBTIQA+ inclusion. These programs and awareness sessions continue to evolve to support all our employees,” says Alkin.
Through flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, Edwards employees can better manage their work and personal lives, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction. Recognition and rewards programs, such as awards, stock options, and bonuses, are also implemented to acknowledge and celebrate employees.
Other initiatives aimed at boosting employee engagement include:
• providing outdoor recreational spaces like table tennis areas, BBQ spots, and community gardens
• organising social committee events such as Mardi Gras and Pride celebrations, as well as events honouring occasions like Mother’s Day
• hosting webinars on relevant topics such as cost-of-living and psychological safety
• offering quarterly open access to the managing director, with the boardroom open over lunchtime for employees to provide feedback
Alkin says, “Our sense of purpose within the communities we serve, our dedication to each other, and our distinctive company culture set Edwards apart. Recognising that our people are our most valuable asset, we heavily invest in our talent and organisation strategy to ensure our workforce thrives.”
· Day-to-day shout-outs – to award outstanding work, employees can exchange earned points for gift vouchers of up to $150
· Quarterly Stars Award – employees demonstrating core values have the chance to win $500
· Annual Hero’s Celebration – manager-nominated and peer-voted awards where outstanding employees earn a $5,000 bonus
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES
Edwards remains committed to employee wellbeing and overall satisfaction, continuing to invest in areas such as wellness, diversity and inclusion, flexible work arrangements and recognition and rewards programs.
By promoting wellness through initiatives like yoga classes and mental health workshops, Edwards aims to bolster overall employee health and productivity.
Creating diverse work environments is also a priority for Edwards, recognising the positive impact inclusivity has on creativity, innovation and collaboration. This involves building on existing policies and implementing additional employee resource groups (ERGs).
“In 2024, we introduced three additional ERGs: Enable, focused on initiatives for disabilities; Multiculturalism, promoting awareness of different cultures, beliefs and practices; and Rainbow Alliance, which supports programs around LGBTIQA+ inclusion. These programs and awareness sessions continue to evolve to support all our employees,” says Alkin.
Through flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, Edwards employees can better manage their work and personal lives, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction. Recognition and rewards programs, such as awards, stock options, and bonuses, are also implemented to acknowledge and celebrate employees.
Other initiatives aimed at boosting employee engagement include:
• providing outdoor recreational spaces like table tennis areas, BBQ spots, and community gardens
• organising social committee events such as Mardi Gras and Pride celebrations, as well as events honouring occasions like Diwali and Chinese New Year
• hosting webinars on relevant topics such as cost-of-living and psychological safety
• offering quarterly open access to the managing director, with the boardroom open over lunchtime for employees to provide feedback
Alkin says, “Our sense of purpose within the communities we serve, our dedication to healthcare, each other, and our distinctive company culture set Edwards apart. Recognising that our people are our most valuable asset, we heavily invest in our talent and organisation strategy to ensure our workforce thrives.”