AdvaMed said Melissa Torres is the association’s new executive vice president of technology and regulatory affairs.
Torres succeeds Janet Trunzo, who retired after 30 years with the medtech lobbying group.
Torres brings more than 20 years of regulatory policy leadership to the position, serving most recently as associate director for international affairs at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
At the FDA, she managed the agency’s participation in initiatives such as the International Medical Device Regulators Forum and the Medical Device Single Audit Program. She also helped develop the Quality Management System Regulation and participated in prior Medical Device User Fee Amendments negotiations. Industry groups, including AdvaMed, are currently in negotiations with the FDA for MDUFA VI, which must be completed by September 2027.
Her experience includes leading teams in both premarket and postmarket activities, fostering collaboration among global regulatory authorities and driving international harmonization efforts to expand patient access to safe and effective medical technologies, AdvaMed said.
“Melissa’s years of experience with the FDA well equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in this critical role,” AdvaMed CEO Scott Whitaker said in a statement.
She joins AdvaMed as Resmed CEO Mick Farrell takes up a two-year term as chair of the group’s board of directors.
