EDE/UTRECHT, The Netherlands – February 17, 2026 – AMT Medical, a pioneering medical technology company developing a next-generation minimally invasive coronary bypass platform, today announced the appointment of Geert van Gansewinkel as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The leadership transition positions the company for its next phase of development of its ELANA® Heart Bypass System, as AMT anticipates sharing significant clinical program updates in the near term that are expected to define its regulatory pathway and commercial trajectory. ELANA® delivers a minimally invasive solution designed to replace traditional open-heart bypass surgery, ultimately leading to robot-assisted keyhole surgery compatible with surgical robots from industry leaders.
Founder and former CEO Rutger Tulleken will transition to the role of Founder & Strategic Advisor, where he will continue to support platform innovation, intellectual property development, grant funding initiatives, and collaboration with surgeons and research institutions, while ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Strategic timing
The appointment reflects strategic timing as the company approaches key inflection points. AMT expects to provide important updates on its clinical programs, including patency performance data (data showing the bypasses remain open) and progress in minimally invasive MIDCAB (keyhole bypass surgery) applications, that will inform the company’s transition from technology validation to structured regulatory advancement, clinical expansion, and operational scale-up. These anticipated milestones underscore the strategic rationale for bringing in experienced leadership at this juncture.
Geert van Gansewinkel most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of GATT Technologies BV, a Dutch medical technology company focused on developing innovative polymer-based surgical sealant and adhesive solutions for tissue repair and hemostasis. He led the company through the complete development pathway, including preclinical validation, multiple clinical trials in Europe and the United States, and full regulatory approval processes. Under his leadership, GATT obtained CE marking in 2023 and FDA PMA approval in 2025, culminating in a successful acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2025. He managed the strategic transaction and subsequent integration into the acquiring organization.
Earlier in his career, Geert held senior leadership roles at IQVIA and Polaris, where he co-led the exit to IQVIA. He also worked at The Boston Consulting Group, leading strategy, transformation, and post-merger integration initiatives across life sciences and healthcare. He holds a Master of Science degree in International Business Administration from Maastricht University and an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona.
“Under Rutger’s leadership, AMT has transformed from a bold technological concept into a clinically advancing platform with strong strategic potential,” said Idgar van Kippersluis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “As we approach a critical inflection point and anticipate significant clinical milestones that will transition the company from technology validation to regulatory and commercial preparation, this is the optimal moment to bring in a leader with Geert’s proven track record. He has successfully navigated the complete journey from preclinical development through regulatory approval to strategic exit, and we are confident he brings the expertise required to guide AMT through this next phase.”
“I am honored to join AMT at a pivotal moment as the company prepares to enter its next phase of development,” said Geert van Gansewinkel. “AMT’s technology platform has significant potential to address fundamental challenges in coronary surgery. My immediate priorities will be preparing the organization for expected clinical milestones, establishing a clear regulatory pathway, scaling our clinical operations and operational infrastructure, and ensuring we build sustainable long-term value.”
Rutger Tulleken added: “The technology foundation we have built over the past years positions AMT to make meaningful contributions to coronary surgery. As we approach important clinical updates that will define our path forward, this is the natural time to transition day-to-day leadership to someone with Geert’s specific expertise in taking medical technology companies from clinical validation through regulatory approval and commercial success. I look forward to continuing to contribute to AMT’s innovation roadmap, IP strategy, and strategic partnerships in my advisory capacity.”
The company expects to provide detailed updates on its clinical programs and regulatory pathway in the coming months as key milestones are achieved.
