Aurora Spine Appoints Vice President of Sales and Western US Regional Sales VP

Carlsbad, Calif.-based Aurora Spine Corporation has named Mike Wheelock its new vice president of sales and Joe Bocchino as regional vice president of sales for the Western United States.

Wheelock will be responsible for Aurora’s U.S. sales efforts. Under Wheelock’s management, the Aurora sales team expects to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market.

Wheelock has more than 20 years of sales experience, and extensive knowledge and experience in executive sales and strategic sales development. Prior to joining Aurora Spine, he was area vice president of sales – Midwest, for Spinal Elements Inc., where he was responsible for collaborating with corporate leadership on new product launches and sales strategies.

Regional VP Bocchino will be responsible for Aurora’s Western United States sales efforts. Under Bocchino’s leadership, the Aurora sales team expects to strengthen its presence in the U.S. West Coast market. Prior to joining Aurora Spine, Bocchino was vice president of sales—Western U.S. for Baxano Surgical Inc., where he was responsible for stabilizing product sales, relationships and merging the direct and distribution sales teams from Baxano and Trans1 Inc. following the
acquisition of Baxano in March 2013.

“Joe Bocchino’s experience as a medical sales executive, with a track record to create and lead successful and dynamic sales teams, will be a tremendous asset to Aurora Spine,” said Trent J. Northcutt, Aurora Spine President/CEO. “We believe his background and extensive knowledge of the spine industry will allow him to seamlessly integrate into this new role. Joe will focus on strengthening our Western sales and distribution network as we continue to make progress on the creation of a hybrid sales force consisting of direct sales employees and independent distributors.”

Aurora Spine is an early-stage company focused on minimally invasive, regenerative spinal implant technologies.