FTSE 100 medical technology company Convatec has appointed former Fortrea finance chief Jill McConnell as its new CFO.

McConnell will succeed Fiona Ryder, who will step down at the end of February 2027.

She will join the medical products group as CFO-designate on 1 January 2027 before formally taking over the role and joining the board on 1 March. Ryder will remain in post through publication of the company's full-year results on 23 February.

Convatec develops and manufactures products used in the treatment and management of chronic health conditions. It employs around 10,000 people globally and reported 2025 revenue of $2.439bn, forecasting another year of double-digit earnings growth.

McConnell joins from US-listed clinical research group Fortrea, where she was CFO and helped establish the business as a standalone company following its spin-off from Labcorp in 2023. She previously held senior finance positions at Labcorp and spent almost 20 years at GSK, including CFO roles at its US pharmaceuticals business and ViiV Healthcare.

Ryder, who joined Convatec in January 2022, was credited with strengthening the finance function, establishing Convatec Business Services and advancing the group's simplification and productivity programme.

Convatec CEO Jonny Mason said: "Jill brings deep healthcare experience, especially from the US which is Convatec’s largest market, public-company CFO experience and a strong track record in investor engagement, performance management, cost and cash management, capital allocation and business transformation. As we enter the next phase of Accelerate, Jill’s leadership will help us execute our strategy and create value for patients, customers and shareholders."

McConnell added: "The company has a clear strategy, strong momentum and a compelling purpose centred on improving patients’ lives. I look forward to working with colleagues across Convatec to accelerate sustainable growth and create long-term value for patients, customers and shareholders.”

Separately, Convatec appointed Brian May as senior independent director and Tobias Hestler as chair of the audit and risk committee, both succeeding Margaret Ewing with immediate effect. Ewing will remain on the board to support the transition before retiring by the next annual general meeting.

Convatec shares were down 0.7% at 244p in morning trading.

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