ATLANTA (Jan. 1, 2007) - Jay Ethridge, a medical industry professional with 20 years' experience in business development, sales and marketing, was promoted to chief executive officer of Implantable Provider Group (IPG). IPG, based in Alpharetta, works with commercial payors, healthcare providers and manufacturers to fully manage all aspects of high-cost implantable medical devices. Ethridge joined IPG in May 2006 as president of the cardiovascular division.

Prior to IPG, Ethridge was part of the original team at Eli Lilly & Co. that spun off to create Guidant Corporation in 1994. Ethridge played an integral role in Guidant's success, helping position the organization as one of the three leading manufacturers in the medical device industry. His assistance in building Guidant led the company to be sold to Boston Scientific for more than $24 billion.

Ethridge has a long-standing career in the medical device industry, beginning in pharmaceuticals and transitioning to medical devices. He is a results-oriented senior level operating executive with a keen understanding of the implantable medical device industry. Under Ethridge's direction, IPG will be uniquely suited to offer meaningful solutions to its clients.

Ethridge earned his undergraduate degree from The Citadel and his MBA from the University of Georgia.