Nova Medical Centers, India's leading chain of short-stay surgical centers and fertility clinics, announced the appointment of V P Kamath as the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based out of Bangalore, Mr Kamath will be responsible for the general management of Nova's Surgical Hospitals, Infertility Clinics, IVIOMICS Genetic Testing Lab and ART Bank businesses spread across 20 locations.

Announcing the appointment, Mr Suresh Soni, Chairman & CEO, Nova Medical Centers, said, "Mr. Kamath is a well-respected veteran of the healthcare industry, with over 25 years of experience in leadership, general management, operations, sales and marketing and business development with some of the top players in the field. His vast experience, leadership skills and industry insights make him a very strong addition to Nova's management team."

During his career, Mr Kamath has been associated with healthcare majors such as Wockhardt Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Nicholas Piramal, and Johnson & Johnson. He holds a Master's degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree, both from the University of Mumbai. He has also attended the Advanced Management Program at the Walter A. Haas School of Business, Berkeley, California.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Kamath said: "The Indian healthcare industry is at an inflection point in terms of opportunities and growth potential. Nova Medical Centers is at the forefront of this change and has already carved a niche in the surgery and fertility space. It is not only very exciting to get associated with such a dynamic company, this opportunity also allows me to get closely connected with the society at large and make a difference to people's lives. Joining Nova comes with a great responsibility to further build on the tradition of excellence that the brand represents, making it the most advanced and admired healthcare institution."

Mr Kamath is also a visiting faculty member at IIM Ranchi, MET and NMITD, Mumbai, and is on the steering committee of Goa Institute of Management. For his outstanding and extraordinary achievements in Healthcare and Education, Mr. Kamath was recently awarded the "Bharat Excellence Award" and the "Rashtrya Jewel Award".