MIKE MUSSALLEM
Chief Executive
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.
Irvine
Born in Gary, Ind.
Age: 66
Lives in Laguna Beach
WHY: Company’s only chief executive since it was spun out of Baxter in 2000. Has seen market cap more than double in past two years to almost $40 billion, the highest valued company in Orange County.
HOW: Chemical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana. Emphasizes minimally invasive heart valve replacement, which doesn’t require major open heart surgery. Included in Forum for Corporate Directors Hall of Fame and received a number of honors including UC Irvine Medal, lifetime achievement award from The Phoenix Conference and the Wenger Award for Excellence in Corporate Leadership by WomenHeart.
RECENT: In 2018, Edwards Lifesciences ranked No. 39 on the Wall Street Journal’s list of Management Top 250; the publication cited Edwards as one of “7 Companies That Do Everything Well” by achieving high marks in five dimensions of corporate performance.
FAST FACT: Expansion in early stages at Irvine headquarters could add hundreds of new jobs next few years.
QUOTABLE: Statement on first-quarter results: “It’s been an exciting start to 2019 with multiple positive developments for the company and the patients we serve … We are more convinced than ever in the tremendous opportunity to drive success for many years to come through our differentiated strategy of focus, innovation and leadership.”
PERSONAL: Lebanese descent. Trustee, UCI Foundation. Die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. Wife, Linda.
