Finalist – Services
César García lost his mother, father and sister to cancer in a short eight-year period. However he’s maintained an optimistic, driven outlook throughout his life, which he has since dedicated to helping diagnose and treat medical conditions.
García brings more than 37 years of experience in design, manufacturing and commercialization devices to Chatsworth, Calif.-based Iris International Inc. He began working with the company in 2002 to provide product development expertise and has since risen to chairman, president and CEO. During his tenure at the diagnostic products company, he’s launched 15 new products.
Shortly after becoming president in 2003, García spearheaded Iris’ new flagship product, the iQ automated urine microscopy analyzer, which integrated with an automated chemistry analyzer. This product would help the company raise capital, pay down debt and strengthen Iris’ balance sheet. Revenue rapidly grew, and García led the growth strategy that still drives unit sales and has resulted in 75 percent dominance over U.S. market share.
This is just one example of García’s efforts to provide differentiated diagnostic solutions to improve laboratory productivity and efficiency. García also has expanded the company’s focus to personalized medicine with the acquisition of a molecular diagnostics company.
In addition to his work to improve health care via Iris, García serves on the boards for the Advanced Medical Technology Association and Alameda, the diagnostics industry not-for-profit representative. He supports charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots and Walk for the Cure with Diabetes.
He also promotes health and happiness for his employees, supporting programs such as Health Miles, offering free membership in Employee Health Club, providing tuition reimbursement and facilitating on-site language classes and tutoring.
How to reach: Iris International Inc., www.proiris.com
