Alexandria, VA — The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) today announces the election of Stephan Sagolla, as BHI's 2005 President. Sagolla brings 25 years of extensive experience as a medical executive and marketer to BHI. Mr. Sagolla's term began January 3, 2005. He succeeds Mikael Worning, Oticon Inc., who has led BHI over the past two years and will continue as a BHI officer in his capacity as Immediate Past President.Sagolla is President & CEO of Interton, Inc., and has served in this capacity for the past 4 years. Prior to 2001, Sagolla was Managing Director of Philips/Beltone, Europe, and has also held various sales and marketing positions in Europe for Coloplast AS, Mentor Corporation and Smith Kline Beecham. In acknowledging his election, Sagolla noted that, "The potential for BHI to inform physicians and educate the public about hearing loss and hearing instruments was apparent to me as soon as I opened Interton operations in the U.S. I am proud to have our company associated with the Institute and very pleased with the opportunity and challenge of guiding BHI programs this year."
"Stephan has a genuine understanding of the hearing instrument market, as well as a proven track record as a strategic sales and marketing professional," said Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., BHI's Executive Director. "BHI is excited about the leadership skills he brings to our association, especially as we expand our marketing communication efforts beyond the medical sector."
Continuing to serve on the BHI Board of Directors with Sagolla are Mikael Worning, Oticon, Inc.; Cathy Jones, Phonak, Inc.; William Lankenau, Siemens Hearing Instruments and Jerry Ruzicka, Starkey Laboratories Inc. and newly elected to the Board for a three-year term as Secretary/Treasurer is Gora Ganguli, Gennum Corporation.
BHI is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation that was created in 1973 to promote hearing healthcare across the United States. The manufacturers and suppliers who comprise the hearing industry in the U.S. jointly fund the organization. Over the years, BHI has perhaps been best known as the producer of Public Service Announcements about hearing loss and the importance of appropriate treatment. In the recent past, BHI has focused its communication and educational efforts on physician-directed information about hearing loss and hearing instruments. The organization operates an information helpline and distributes consumer information.
515 Kim Street, Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314
PHONE: (703) 684-3391
FAX: (703) 684-6048
www.betterhearing.org
