SKIPTON and Knutsford-based ostomy specialist, Trio Healthcare has strengthened its UK and European capabilities with a series of new appointments, including the roles of UK general manager, vice president of international sales and European business director.

It comes as the health tech specialist continues its rapid international growth trajectory. In November, it announced the opening of its first US office, welcoming a team of three, with plans to grow headcount to 100 by 2025.

To support Trio’s advancing international strategy, Ian Sykes will move from general manager to vice president international commercial. With years of experience in the medical devices market, Mr Sykes will drive the rollout of Trio’s latest innovations in multiple territories.

This includes the global launch of the company’s first stoma bag, GeniiTM, in Q1 2022. The launch will significantly advance Trio’s share of the international ostomy products market, currently valued at $3bn. As the only stoma bag to use breathable silicone adhesion, based on Trio’s globally patented Sil2TM technology, early clinical evaluations1 suggest the bag could transform stoma care.

The role of general manager for the UK will be taken on by Caroline Green, previously marketing director at Trio.

Nick Crook will act as European business director, having moved from his previous role of regional director for the South. He will focus on accelerating sales in Europe, as Trio’s international growth gathers pace. In April 2021, the business also launched teams in the MENA and Asia Pacific regions for the first time.

Trio was founded in 2006 to provide the first real innovation in the ostomy market in over forty years. Its hybrid silicone formation, Sil2TM , has now achieved patent approval in the UK, US, Japan, Canada and Australia, with its products are now available in 30 markets worldwide.

Chris Lane, CEO at Trio Healthcare, celebrated the new appointments saying: “Our world-class operation would not be possible without our exceptional team, and so we’ve spent the last 12 months placing real focus on getting the right people in the right roles. We’ve bolstered our global teams in the US, Asia and MENA, and we’re doing the same here in the UK. The team’s skill and experience will be crucial at this stage of our journey as we target rapid expansion at home and overseas.”

Mr Sykes added: “I’m thrilled to take on this new role, and working closely with Caroline, Nick and the wider Trio team in the UK to support our ambitious global growth plans.

“There is significant opportunity in the ostomy market for a business that offers patients products that truly improve their lives, something we are keenly focused on at Trio.”