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Joe Kiani

CEO of Willow Laboratories, Founder of Masimo, Cercacor, Patient Safety Movement

Co-founder of Like Minded Media & A Starting Point

Irvine, CA, USA

Joe Kiani

Dubai Government

Dow Investments Plc

Joe Kiani’s Biography

Joe Kiani, the CEO of Willow Laboratories in Irvine, California, is at the forefront of innovation in health and wellness. Under his leadership, Willow Laboratories has created cutting-edge technologies that assist hospitals globally, improving healthcare standards.

Joe founded Masimo, a global medical technology company, in 1989. He served as Chairman and CEO. Joe's desire to improve patient care and decrease medical errors led him to co-invent what is known as modern pulse oximetry. His innovation overcame what the industry deemed "unsolvable"- traditional pulse oximetry's unreliability. Masimo Signal Extraction Technology® (SET®) helped reduce false alarms by 95% and fundamentally improved the reliability of the "fifth vital sign." With Masimo SET®, clinicians were able to reduce blindness in premature babies and more effectively screen for critical congenital heart disease.

Joe grew Masimo from a "garage start-up" into a successful publicly traded company that employs more than 8,000 people globally. Masimo SET® is used to monitor more than 200 million patients a year. Masimo... Joe Kiani, the CEO of Willow Laboratories in Irvine, California, is at the forefront of innovation in health and wellness. Under his leadership, Willow Laboratories has created cutting-edge technologies that assist hospitals globally, improving healthcare standards.

Joe founded Masimo, a global medical technology company, in 1989. He served as Chairman and CEO. Joe's desire to improve patient care and decrease medical errors led him to co-invent what is known as modern pulse oximetry. His innovation overcame what the industry deemed "unsolvable"- traditional pulse oximetry's unreliability. Masimo Signal Extraction Technology® (SET®) helped reduce false alarms by 95% and fundamentally improved the reliability of the "fifth vital sign." With Masimo SET®, clinicians were able to reduce blindness in premature babies and more effectively screen for critical congenital heart disease.

Joe grew Masimo from a "garage start-up" into a successful publicly traded company that employs more than 8,000 people globally. Masimo SET® is used to monitor more than 200 million patients a year. Masimo also introduced the Opioid Halo, the first of its kind opioid overdose monitoring and alert system to receive FDA approval that is now available for use at home and in healthcare facilities. Joe also founded Cercacor, a health and wellness innovator, and is the co-founder of A Starting Point, a video-based civic engagement platform.

Joe is the founder of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, a non-profit that works to eliminate preventable medical errors around the world. He is also the founder of the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare.

In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Joe to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Joe serves on several boards of directors. He also speaks at events globally, championing the rights of those who are not always empowered to speak for themselves. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Joe Kiani’s Newsfeed

Investing.com

Earnings call: Masimo reports strong Q2 with healthcare revenue surge

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Businesswire

Masimo and UCHealth Announce a Clinical Monitoring Partnership to Improve Care with Telehealth

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Joe Kiani’s Background

Willow Laboratories

CEO

Oct 2024 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

Willow Laboratories, based in Irvine, California, is a leader in health and wellness innovation. The company holds 127 issued patents and has 48 patents pending, with its technologies being used by leading hospitals worldwide.

Masimo

Founder, Chairman & CEO

Feb 1989 - Sep 2024

Irvine, CA, USA

Masimo is a global medical technology company that develops and produces a wide array of industry-leading monitoring technologies, including innovative measurements, sensors, and patient monitors. Powered by the Masimo Hospital Automation™ platform, Masimo connectivity, automation, and telehealth solutions continue to improve and automate care delivery both in the hospital and the home.

Cercacor Laboratories, Inc.

Founder & CEO

Jan 1998 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

Cercacor is a health and wellness innovator that strives to empower others by providing valuable and personalized insight into their health and bodies. With over 127 issued and 48 pending patents to their name, Cercacor technologies are used by leading hospitals around the world, licensed under the name Masimo rainbow SET® (Signal Extraction Technology®).

The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare

Founder & Chairman

2010 - Sep 2024

Irvine, CA, USA

The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare is a private charitable foundation focused on improving patient care, preserving patient dignity, and reducing cost of care, through philanthropic programs and research that foster aligned incentives, the highest level of ethics for those who provide patient care, and fair competition in the healthcare marketplace.

Patient Safety Movement Foundation

Founder

Jan 2013 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

Patient Safety Movement Foundation seeks to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals by working with patient safety experts around the world to create actionable, evidence-based practices. The Foundation's annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit gathers stakeholders including patients, healthcare providers, medical tech companies, government employers, and private payers.

Like Minded Media Ventures

Co-Founder & Board Director

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Like Minded Media Ventures is the parent company of Like Minded Entertainment and Like Minded Labs, bringing together talent and technology to empower, create and connect. Like Minded Entertainment creates content that bridges the gaps between Film, Television and Digital and Social Media. Like Minded Labs develops custom technology that empowers storytellers and engages audiences.

A Starting Point

Co-Founder

Jan 2018 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

A Starting Point is a video-based civic engagement platform created by Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and technology entrepreneur Joe Kiani. ASP’s mission is to create a bipartisan channel of communication and connectivity between Americans and their elected officials with the goal of creating a more informed electorate.

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Joe Kiani’s Gallery

Board Positions

President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

2021 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) consists of distinguished individuals from sectors outside of the Federal Government who advise the President on policy matters where the understanding of science, technology, and innovation is key.

California Institute of Technology

Board of Trustees

Jan 2021 - Present

Pasadena, CA, USA

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.

The Carter Center

Board of Councilors

2021 - Present

Atlanta, GA, USA

The Carter Center is guided by the principles of its Founders, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. It was founded in partnership with Emory University, on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

Children’s Hospital of Orange County

Board of Directors | Chairman of the Board Quality Committee

2015 - Present

Orange, CA, USA

Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC), a pediatric healthcare system based in Orange County, California, is committed to being a leading destination for children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care.

Fast Company Impact Council

Member

2020 - Present

New York, NY, USA

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only collective of innovative leaders and the most creative people in business. The group meets several times a year for webinars and roundtable discussions on some of the greatest opportunities and most pressing challenges of our time, and the role companies and council members can play in shaping the future.

Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER)

Board of Directors

2021 - Present

Schaumburg, IL, USA

The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists®. For 35 years, FAER has been dedicated to developing the next generation of physician-investigators.

Like Minded Media Ventures

Board of Directors

2017 - Present

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Like Minded Media Ventures is the parent company of Like Minded Entertainment and Like Minded Labs, bringing together talent and technology to empower, create and connect. Like Minded Entertainment creates content that bridges the gaps between Film, Television and Digital and Social Media. Like Minded Labs develops custom technology that empowers storytellers and engages audiences.

Masimo

Chairman

1989 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

Masimo is a global medical technology company that develops and produces a wide array of industry-leading monitoring technologies, including innovative measurements, sensors, and patient monitors. Powered by the Masimo Hospital Automation™ platform, Masimo connectivity, automation, and telehealth solutions continue to improve and automate care delivery both in the hospital and the home.

The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare

Chairman

2010 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare is a private charitable foundation focused on improving patient care, preserving patient dignity, and reducing cost of care, through philanthropic programs and research that foster aligned incentives, the highest level of ethics for those who provide patient care, and fair competition in the healthcare marketplace.

Medical Device Manufacturers Association

Fmr. Chairman & Board Member

Jan 2002 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) is the leading voice representing the interests of innovative and entrepreneurial medical technology companies. MDMA members all share a common goal: to provide patients and clinicians with timely access to safe and effective medical technologies that improve the quality of life.

Patient Safety Movement Foundation

Board of Directors

Jan 2013 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

Patient Safety Movement Foundation seeks to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals by working with patient safety experts around the world to create actionable, evidence-based practices. The Foundation's annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit gathers stakeholders including patients, healthcare providers, medical tech companies, government employers, and private payers.

SDSU | College of Engineering

Dean's Advisory Board

2015 - Present

San Diego, CA, USA

Since its inception in 1961, the College of Engineering has evolved into a top choice for serious engineering students and researchers from all over the globe. It delivers broad-spectrum, world-class engineering education, combined with practical research experience.

SMS Biotech

Board of Directors

2019 - Present

San Diego, CA, USA

SMS Biotech is a pre-clinical, late-stage biotech company. Through a combination of hard work and over 30 years of experience in research and applications, SMS Biotech has been able to introduce a new proprietary technology that will change the way the life science industry approaches the research of cells, drugs and toxins.

University of California at Irvine (UCI) Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences

Advisory Board

2019 - Present

Irvine, CA, USA

The UCI Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences is translating its tripartite mission to Discover. Teach. Heal. into the diverse healthcare workforce of the future and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

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Philanthropy

World Health Organization

Geneva, CH

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable—so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

The Newborn Foundation and the BORN Project

Saint Paul, MN, USA

The Newborn Foundation is dedicated to leveraging technology innovation to save newborn lives and improve health outcomes for the newest, most vulnerable citizens.

United for Oxygen Alliance

United for Oxygen Alliance is the world’s first effort by a consortium of government, industry, foundation and civil society organizations to scale-up access to pulse oximetry and oxygen in health facilities in Ethiopia, with a special focus on reducing deaths among children under five and pregnant women.

Direct Relief

Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.

Smile Train

New York, NY, USA

Since its founding, Smile Train has provided training and financial support for the treatment of clefts, empowering medical professionals around the world to treat cleft patients with life-changing surgery and related comprehensive cleft care that they would not otherwise be able to access.

Refugee Medical Crisis in Partnership with Doctors Without Borders

New York, NY, USA

Doctors Without Borders is an independent, global movement dedicated to providing medical aid where it’s needed most.

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Media

Some Apple Watches Are About To Be Banned In The U.S. What Happens Next?

Oct 2023

New York, NY, USA

The International Trade Commission issued an order to halt the importation of certain Apple Watches into the United States last week, handing a major win to medical device-maker Masimo in a years-long patent battle with the most valuable company in the world.

An Orange County entrepreneur’s $60-million legal battle to stop Apple from steamrolling startups

Oct 2023

Los Angeles, CA, USA

The U.S. International Trade Court has already ruled that Apple infringed at least one of Masimo’s patents back in January. The ITC is expected to make its final ruling this month.

When Apple Comes Calling, 'It's the Kiss of Death'

Apr 2023

New York, NY, USA

Joe Kiani is one of more than a dozen executives, inventors, investors and more who have described difficult encounters with Apple. 'When Apple takes an interest in a company, it's the kiss of death."

Masimo and Temple Health Form Innovation Collaboration with Focus on Hospital Automation and Telehealth

Mar 2023

Irvine, CA, USA

With an emphasis on advancing the forefront remote patient monitoring and telehealth, as well as automating high-quality care, the collaboration may include the use of such innovations as the Masimo W1™ advanced health tracking watch, the Radius VSM™ tetherless, and more.

Bill Clinton welcomes medical tech firm to Central Arkansas where it will deploy opioid withdrawal device

May 2022

Little Rock, AR, USA

Executives with Masimo unveiled a facility in Mabelvale where researchers will develop and test products, including a device designed to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms.

As Pandemic Wanes, a New Chapter Begins for Masimo

Apr 2022

Irvine, CA, USA

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani held a press conference at the company’s Spectrum-area headquarters to discuss how innovation-based businesses can save lives.

Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, Joe Kiani on political venture A Starting Point

Oct 2020

New York, NY, USA

A Starting Point Co-Founders, Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and Joe Kiani, join Yahoo Finance’s The First Trade with Alexis Christoforous and Brian Sozzi to discuss their new political venture A Starting Point, key issues lawmakers are currently addressing and much more. Evans also weighs in on the entertainment industry.

Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and Joe Kiani of A Starting Point on How to Engage in Democracy

Sep 2020

Joe Kiani, Chris Evans and Mark Kassen join The Atlantic to discuss the impetus for founding A Starting Point and their mission to create a better-informed electorate.

President Clinton & Joe Kiani Discuss the Patient Safety Movement Foundation

2019

President Bill Clinton has supported the efforts of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation since its founding. Both Joe and Bill have worked tirelessly for the organization, and each continue to work hard as the Patient Safety movement continues to grow.

2018 IP Champion | Joe Kiani

Honoree

2018

Washington, DC, USA

Joe Kiani was honored as the 1st IP Champion at the IPO Education Foundation Awards Dinner in Washington, DC. The award celebrates modern-day heroes for their accomplishments in the fields of innovation, creativity, and IP rights.

KMIR NBC Palm Springs: MightySat® Rx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Apr 2015

Palm Springs, CA, USA

KMIR NBC Palm Springs introduces viewers to Masimo's MightySat® Rx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Joe Kiani joins the newscast to discuss the MightySat's features and how it functions.

Importance of a Strong Patent System | Joe Kiani

2015

Joe Kiani, CEO and Founder of Masimo, explains how the strong patent system saved his business.

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Interviews

Masimo SafetyNet™ Helps to Save Lives at University Hospitals in Cleveland

Apr 2022

New York, NY, USA

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani describes how Masimo SafetyNet can help reduce demand on hospital beds and PPE by keeping lower acuity patients out of the hospital.

Masimo CEO says its remote oxygen monitors were made to mitigate diseases like coronavirus

May 2020

New York, NY, USA

Joe Kiani joined Jim Cramer to discuss how the company's Masimo SafetyNet is an incredibly useful medical tool for health-care workers during the deadly Covid-19 outbreak to track patient vitals from a safe distance.

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Features

A Day in the Life of Joe Kiani, Masimo’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO

Article

Jul 2024

Spencer Hulse wrote this feature on Joe, describing a typical day in the not-so-typical CEO's life.

Masimo’s Kiani Tackles Societal Problems

Jul 2023

Irvine, CA, USA

Beginning with the founding of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation in 2012, to the purchase of an apartment complex to house the homeless (named the Friendship Shelter), this feature highlights Joe Kiani's work in solving some of society's most pressing problems.

SDSU grad leads crusade for patient safety. ‘So many thousands are still being harmed.’

Jun 2023

San Diego, CA, USA

The San Diego Union Tribune highlights Joe Kiani's work as the head of Masimo and celebrates the 10-year mark of his leadership in the anti-harm movement in the medical community.

Meet The Iranian Immigrant Who Became A Covid MedTech Billionaire

Oct 2022

New York, NY, USA

This feature highlights Joe Kiani's place on the 2022 Forbes' 400 list. It highlights Joe's journey, notably the personal and professional odds he faced, to building the medical industry's leading blood oxygen monitoring device, while also leading Masimo from a small company to one that is challenging those 100 times its size.

A millionaire’s mission: Stop hospitals from killing their patients by medical error

2017

Boston, MA, USA

This feature in Stat magazine chronicles Joe Kiani's work in the healthcare field, from the early days of Masimo to events like the Patient Safety Movement Foundation's annual summit.

Portraits of Courage: Joe Kiani

2016

San Diego, CA, USA

Joe Kiani was featured by his alma mater for his work leading the fight to eliminate preventable hospital deaths.

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Awards & Recognition

UF Health Jacksonville

Robert Wears Patient Safety Award

2023

Jacksonville, FL, USA

The Robert Wears Patient Safety Award honors individuals who have significantly impacted the field of patient safety through critical analysis, research, education or knowledge dissemination.

Hubert H. Humphrey 'Dawn of Life' Award

Honoree

2014

Saint Paul, MN, USA

Presented by the Newborn Foundation, the 'Dawn of Life' award honors individuals making a difference in infant mortality rates. The Newborn Foundation is dedicated to leveraging technology innovation to save newborn lives and improve health outcomes for the newest, most vulnerable citizens.

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Speaking Engagements

Medical Tech Innovator Returns to SDSU for President’s Lecture Series

Guest Speaker

Oct 2023

San Diego, CA, USA

Joe Kiani chatted with SDSU President Adela de la Torre and answered questions from students and faculty in the one-hour lecture, which drew an audience of around 150 to the second-floor Theatre.

5th Annual Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety

Keynote Address

Feb 2023

Montreux, CH

In his keynote address, Joe Kiani discussed two major elements of a sustainable patient safety mission: Transparency and Aligned Incentives. Notably, he discussed the organization's 18 Actionable Patient Safety Solutions and called for hospitals around the world to show greater transparency in reporting medical errors and preventable deaths.

Bringing Momentum to Patient Safety

Keynote Address

May 2022

Founder Joe Kiani discusses the various ways the Patient Safety Movement Foundation has helped bring momentum to patient safety through the creation of the World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit, open data pledges, meaningful partnerships, and more.

Joe Kiani's Annual State of the Movement Address

Featured Speaker

2019

Joe Kiani recognizes the 89 healthcare technology companies for their efforts in signing the Open Data Pledge and encourages more companies to follow. Because of the efforts in breaking down the silos in healthcare, it is possible to work together instead of in competition with one another so that the healthcare system as a whole can save every single life possible.

An Engineer's Perspective

Featured Speaker

2016

Joe Kiani offers the closing remarks at the 2016 World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit.

CEO Joe Kiani & Olympians Dotsie Bausch & Stig Severinsen from Freediver visit Digital Health Lounge

Panel member

2015

At the Digital Health Summit, Joe Kiani and others discussed the importance of patient safety, medical technology and related topics.

Chapman University Commencement Speech

Commencement Speaker

2013

Orange, CA, USA

Joe Kiani shares his story, from the early beginnings of Masimo to his current work with the comapny, as well as his philanthropic work.

Micro-Fixing: Joe Kiani at TEDxChapmanU

Featured Speaker

2012

Irvine, CA, USA

Joe Kiani shares his life experiences and how they led to his belief that microscopic changes can bring forth a true revolution against injustice. This idea guided him to his entrepreneurial spirit and what he calls "micro-fixing."

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Press Releases

Masimo Debuts Telehealth for Patient SafetyNet™ at HIMSS 2022 Global Health Conference

Mar 2022

New York, NY, USA

Masimo announced a major expansion of Masimo Patient SafetyNet™, its premier hospital remote patient monitoring and clinician notification platform, with the addition of secure telehealth capabilities – making an already powerful solution even more versatile and comprehensive.

Masimo Announces FDA Clearance of Pediatric Indication for SedLine® Brain Function Monitoring and the SedLine Pediatric EEG Sensor

Feb 2022

New York, NY, USA

Masimo announced today the FDA clearance of SedLine® brain function monitoring for pediatric patients (1-17 years of age) and the SedLine Pediatric EEG Sensor. With this clearance, the potential benefits of SedLine have been expanded to all patients one year old and above in the United States.

Masimo Adds Telehealth to Its SafetyNet® Telemonitoring System

Feb 2022

New York, NY, USA

Masimo announced a major expansion of Masimo SafetyNet® that brings robust, secure video conferencing to the remote patient management and connectivity platform to offer a comprehensive telehealth and telemonitoring solution—and for patients, a better “hospital at home” experience.

Temple University Hospital Adopts Masimo Centroid™

Feb 2022

New York, NY, USA

Masimo and Temple Health announced that Temple University Hospital (TUH), a 722-bed academic medical center located in Philadelphia, is expanding its use of Masimo technologies with Centroid™, an advanced wireless patient position, orientation, activity, and respiration rate sensor, at 100 beds across its ICU units.

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani Appointed to President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

Sep 2021

New York, NY, USA

Masimo announced that Founder, Chairman & CEO Joe Kiani has been appointed by President Joe Biden to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).

Masimo Launches Single-patient-use rainbow® SuperSensor™

Sep 2021

New York, NY, USA

The announcement marked the CE commercial launch in Europe of the single-patient-use adhesive rainbow® SuperSensor™, compatible for use with both Masimo and third-party monitors with Masimo rainbow® technology inside.

Patient Safety Movement Foundation Founder Joe Kiani Honored with Two Special Awards at 5th Annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit

Feb 2017

New York, NY, USA

Joe Kiani received the European Patient Blood Management (PBM) Network Platinum Award from the University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany and an award from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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Joe Kiani’s Education

San Diego State University

B.S. | Electrical Engineering

San Diego State University

M.S. | Electrical Engineering

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