Rick Riley, who served as an executive for Townsend Design for over 24 years including 16 years as CEO, was hired to serve as Span Link’s VP of Sales & Marketing.
Riley worked in hospital marketing and physician relations for the first 12-years of his career, then joined Townsend in 1995 as VP of Marketing. Within two years he was also responsible for managing the company’s sales force, and progressively became involved in business analysis and product development. He was named CEO in 2003 by the company’s founder, Jeff Townsend.
Riley led the successful acquisition of Townsend (in 2011) by The Thuasne Group, a family-owned French company, without the displacement of any employees or sales representatives. Riley also played a key role in three additional acquisitions between 2016 and 2019.
“I’ve known Rick for more than 20 years, and it is exciting to have someone with his experience and reputation join our company,” said Vincent Benenati, President and CEO for Span Link. “Rick is well known in the orthopedic industry, not only as Townsend’s CEO but also for his service on the Board of Directors for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and the California Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. Rick is an active advocate for patients, providers and manufacturers.”
Rick is an active advocate for patients, providers and manufacturers.
“My decision to join Vincent and his team was influenced by transformational changes in our industry that will create business opportunities for Span Link,” said Riley. “I look forward to helping Span Link strengthen customer relationships and evolve the company’s business platform.”