James V. Mazzo, president of Abbott Medical Optics, will take the reins of AdvaMed chairman. He is succeeding Michael Mussallem, CEO of Edwards Lifesciences, who held the position since 2008.

According to an AdvaMed press release, Mazzo has chaired the group's International Board Committee and worked to improve the medical device approval process in Japan and China. He has also worked to increase the Committee's presence in emerging markets.

During his tenure as AdvaMed chairman, the industry group says that Mazzo "will lead the industry’s efforts to: support the FDA’s review process so patients continue to have timely access to safe and effective medical technologies; ensure innovation thrives as payers and providers experiment with new healthcare delivery models; and support global regulatory harmonization efforts."