Natus Appoints New CFO

San Carlos, Calif.-based Natus Medical Inc. has named Jonathan Kennedy, former chief financial officer (CFO) for Intersil Corp., as Natus’ new senior vice president and CFO.

Kennedy will report to Jim Hawkins, Natus’ CEO, and oversee the company’s finance and administration, accounting, tax, and treasury functions. He will join Hawkins and John Buhler, president and chief operating officer, on the Natus executive management team that is responsible for directing all aspects of the company’s strategy, planning and operations.

“Jonathan is an excellent fit for the fast paced culture of Natus,” said Hawkins. “He is a dynamic financial leader with experience in both technology and medical device companies. The experience he has gained over the years in driving acquisition integration efforts, developing and implementing cost reduction initiatives on a worldwide basis, and evolving the finance function in growing enterprises positions him well for Natus.”

“I am pleased to join Natus during an exciting time in the company’s evolution,” said Kennedy. “In just a few years, Natus has taken leadership roles in its markets and grown at an extraordinary pace. I look forward to being a part of its already successful team.”

Kennedy was senior VP and CFO of Intersil Corp., a Milpitas, Calif.-based power management company, since April 2009. Prior to that, he was Intersil’s corporate controller since 2005 and director of finance since 2004. Before joining Intersil, Kennedy held management roles in finance and information technology with Alcon Inc., a Novartis-owned eye health company based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Harris Corp., a Melbourne, Fla.-based telecommunications company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Science in accounting from the University of Central Florida. Kennedy also is a certified public accountant.

Kennedy will assume his new role on April 8, when former CFO Steven J. Murphy will step down. Murphy will remain as vice president of finance, a position he has held since 2003. According to Natus, the company has grown from $30 million in annual revenue to the current run rate of over $350 million during Murphy’s tenure.

Natus makes healthcare products to treat medical ailments in newborn care, hearing impairment, neurological dysfunction, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and balance and mobility disorders.