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Michael O’Neill

I attended the University of Exeter from 1978 to 1981 having studied Economics and Statistics. Exeter was not my first choice but as I walked up from Exeter St. Davids train station for my campus visit, I paused at “the Rock” and stared up at the Washington Singer Building. I knew right there and then that I wanted to attend Exeter. I could not have made a better choice as Exeter was transformational in my personal development and I could not have wished for a better university experience. Following a 5 year engagement with Royal Dutch Shell in London, as part of their accelerated graduate recruitment program, I emigrated to the US to marry Ivy. We are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary in 2026, so she is clearly a very tolerant and forgiving person. Having left for the US on a one way ticket, entry visa, no job and no house, I started a 22 year career with the Johnson and Johnson, the Healthcare giant. Having been told earlier in my career that I was a little shy, lacking in confidence and risk averse, I think the pendulum swung the other way for the rest of my career. Having lived and travelled all over the world, we settled in the San Francisco Bay Area and after leaving J&J, I took on two public company CFO roles in Southern California (San Diego). I retired in 2017, moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2018 and have never regretted stepping away from the daily pressures and stresses that can go along with senior executive roles. We split time between Phoenix and San Diego and enjoy spending time with the family and especially our grandchildren. In addition to enjoying retirement, I have been a long time participant in the Exeter Career Mentor program and enjoy working with students and graduates as they evaluate and consider the career options they may have in front of them. When I left Exeter, I received offers from both Financial Services organizations and Finance groups within Manufacturing / operational companies. I was always attracted to finance (not accounting !!) as it suited both my analytical approach to solving problems and an inquisitive mind. While I always thought about transitioning into a more commercial or general management role, I played to my strengths.
Town/City of residence: Gilbert
Country of residence: United States of America
Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Company Name: Johnson & Johnson, Mentor Corporation, Alphatec Spine
Country which you work: United States of America
Sector: Healthcare
Name of Degree/Subject of study: Combined Economics and Statistics
Year of Graduation: 1981
Type/Level of Study: Undergraduate
Job title: Former Public Company CFO Organisation: Retired Main responsibilities: Public Company CFO Worldwide Franchise CFO As a career CFO, I have a track record of accomplishments with the focus of enhancing shareholder value, operating within, and leading medical device businesses in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific._ Exceptionally well-versed in Commercial and Operational functions with both line responsibilities for international businesses and as a business partner within a global environment._ Significant experience in Investor Relations including communications strategy, IR interface with the investment community, earnings calls and non-deal roadshows._ Fluent in managing and negotiating Capital Market activity including financing strategies, debt placement, debt refinancing and convertible bond issuance._ Track record of numerous successful M&A transactions ranging from $50Mil to $1.5Bil, with an extensive background in target identification, due diligence, transaction structure, negotiation, closing and post-acquisition integration._ Qualifications: Fellow Chartered Management Accountant Chartered Global Management Accountant I am an Alumnus/Alumna of the University of Exeter: Yes Previous employment: 2010 to 2016 – VP Finance and CFO Alphatec Spine Public Company NASDAQ Listing Reporting to the CEO, I was responsible for all aspects of Finance, Investor Relations and Treasury functions globally. Key accomplishments were divesting the International operations, significant debt restructurings, SEC compliance, Board and Audit Committee guidance. Directly responsible for International Commercial operations, IT and Human Resources. Hired, trained and developed exceptionally strong functional organization. 2007 to 2008 – VP and CFO Mentor Corporation Public Company NYSE Listing (acquired by J&J) Reporting directly to the CEO, I had responsibility for Finance, Information Technology and Facilities. I was intimately involved with the sale of the Company to J&J. Completed the redemption of a $150 Mil Convertible Bond and negotiated a $200 Mil credit facility. Responsible for all IR, SEC reporting and compliance activities, Board and Audit Committee reporting. I had additional direct involvement with strategy and execution of the corporations M&A diversification activities. 2006 to 2007 – Worldwide CFO J&J Information Technology 2001 to 2006 Worldwide Franchise CFO – Lifescan – $2.5 Billion worldwide business within J&J 21 Years with Johnson & Johnson 5 Years Royal Dutch Shell Please name the industries you can provide help in: Accounting and Auditing Administration Banking and Financial Services Financial Markets and the City Health Care and Wellbeing Information Technology Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations Management and Consultancy Regulation and Consumer Protection Global Business Management
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