Synchron Boosts Executive Team with Andy Rasdal and Mark Brister Appointments

Synchron, a leading brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has expanded its executive team with the appointment of Andy Rasdal as Chief of Staff and Mark Brister as VP of Research and Development. Both industry veterans bring significant experience in medical devices, with Rasdal previously serving as CEO of DexCom and Brister holding leadership roles at Guidant Corp. and Medtronic. The appointments aim to aid in commercialization efforts as Synchron propels its next-generation BCI, the Stentrode, through U.S. clinical trials and towards global market entry.

Synchron, a leading brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has expanded its executive team to drive the commercialization of its next-generation BCI, the Stentrode. The appointments include Andy Rasdal as Chief of Staff and Mark Brister as VP of Research and Development. Both executives bring extensive experience in the medical device industry, with Rasdal previously serving as CEO of DexCom and Brister holding senior leadership roles at Guidant Corp. and Medtronic [2].

Rasdal, who joined Synchron's Board of Directors in 2023, will transition into a full-time executive role while continuing to serve on the board. With over 30 years in the medical device industry, he has repeatedly led companies from breakthrough innovation to market leadership. As CEO of DexCom, Rasdal oversaw FDA approval, IPO, and the launch of the company’s first continuous glucose monitoring system, transforming diabetes management globally. He later served as the founding CEO of Obalon Therapeutics, guiding the company through FDA PMA approval, IPO, and commercialization of its novel obesity treatment device. Earlier in his career, Rasdal was President of Medtronic Vascular and Vice President of Global Marketing at Arterial Vascular Engineering, acquired by Medtronic for $4.3 billion [2].

Brister joins Synchron with over 38 years of experience pioneering medical device technologies, launching over 100 products, and holding more than 450 patents. He has held senior engineering and R&D leadership roles at Guidant Corp., Arterial Vascular Engineering, Medtronic, DexCom, and Obalon Therapeutics. Brister’s innovations have helped define multiple device categories, from vascular interventions to diabetes care and gastrointestinal devices [2].

The appointments aim to aid in the commercialization efforts as Synchron propels its Stentrode through U.S. clinical trials and towards global market entry. Dr. Tom Oxley, CEO and Founder of Synchron, stated, “Andy and Mark have built multiple billion-dollar market leaders from the ground up. They will be force-multipliers for Synchron. We have some groundbreaking advancements in our pipeline” [2].

Rasdal expressed his excitement about the opportunity to apply his experience to a technology with the potential to transform millions of lives, stating, “I believe Synchron is one of the most important medical device companies of this generation. Synchron’s BCI has the potential to restore autonomy to millions living with motor impairment, and I’m honored to join the team full-time to help make that vision a reality” [2].

Brister echoed this sentiment, noting, “What drew me to Synchron is the chance to apply decades of product development and scale-up experience to a technology with the potential to transform millions of lives. The Stentrode® BCI is a once-in-a-generation innovation, one that could restore independence for people with severe paralysis and redefine the connection between the brain and the digital world” [2].

The appointments highlight Synchron’s strategic focus on accelerating the commercialization of its groundbreaking BCI technology, positioning the company to make significant strides in the global BCI market.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SILO/silo-pharma-s-ptsd-candidate-spc-15-achieves-positive-safety-wjahptasqdmn.html
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250819583131/synchron-expands-executive-team-with-appointment-of-andy-rasdal-as-chief-of-staff-and-mark-brister-as-vp-rd