Meet Our Specialists

On the ground, in theatres, where you need us

When it comes to calm and successful surgeries, our people are the difference. From training your nursing team, to coordinating with sterilisation services and admin, our entire team is here to support your entire team. 

 

Benjamin Willis

Founder & CEO

Ben completed a BHSc in Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology, after which he played professional rugby for many years in Europe. While there, Ben completed a PGDip in sports medicine from Otago University.

A brief stint practising as a physiotherapist preceded entry to the orthopaedic industry, where he immediately loved the challenge, transformative aspects, and  contribution in an industry he is passionate about.

Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Ben then set up ORB Medical which continues to develop the relationship between industry, suppliers, hospitals and doctors – all with the final well-being and successful outcome of the patient at the heart of the business.

He is very proud of and grateful for the ORB team

Outside of work, Ben loves to spend time with his family, wife Clara, and their 5 beautiful daughters.

Sarah Handley

Director of Business Operations

Sarah completed her double degree in Commerce and Physical Education at Otago University.

She has worked in the NZ health and fitness industry, and finance in the UK, before returning to NZ and discovering the medical industry. Sarah has enjoyed working in many areas within this industry including: management, coaching, sales, and marketing for over 15 years. She is stimulated by the fact ORB Medical can source cutting edge technology and devices from anywhere in the world, bring them to the NZ orthopaedic industry and ultimately benefit the NZ public.

Kath Parr

Associate Territory Manager

After completing her nursing training, Kath worked at Middlemore Hospital gaining theatre experience in multiple areas before embarking on overseas travel.

After several years in the UK, and indulging her passion of travel, she returned home once again to Middlemore, specialising in both elective and acute orthopeadics.  After ten years at Middlemore, Kath moved to the private setting of MercyAscot Hospital, to become an orthopeadic charge nurse.  

Twenty years later, having had two children and continuing to work part time, Kath finally moved out of the hospital setting and took up a position with Orb Medical as a clinical specialist.

Tammy Johns

Sales Manager

Tammy completed a Sport Science Degree in Sunny South Africa.

She has worked in the Pharmaceuticals Industry in many functions for over 10years. She has also worked in the Surgical Industry for roughly the same about of years. She has an in-depth knowledge about Sales, Extremities, Business and understanding customer needs.

Tammy’s passion is PEOPLE. She loves working at ORB Medical as the company provides diversity and being able to offer many solutions for all Surgeons.

In her spare time, Tammy loves to coach hockey, run and spend time with her family.

Matt Merrick

National Spine Specialist

Matt has an extensive physiotherapy background spanning nearly two decades working in private practice, professional sport and academia both abroad and here in New Zealand.

Since leaving the physio world in search of a new challenge,  Matt has discovered a passion for the medical device industry. After working at another medical device company focusing on extremities Matt has found his home at ORB Medical specialising in all things Spine.

Matt’s passion for innovation and commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for both surgeons and patients is what motivates him and drives his work. Matt feels very fortunate to be part of such a dedicated and committed ORB team reconnecting Kiwis to their happy place.

James Saunders

National Product Specialist Sports and Arthroplasty

James is a skilled surgical representative with over a decade in healthcare, specialising in medical product innovation and sales. At ORB Medical, he focuses on Exactech Equinoxe TSA, Jointmedica Polymotion hip resurfacing, Rejoin sports medicine, and Allamo & Allosource allograft.

Previously, James worked at Arthrex, LMT Surgical, and Radiant Health Ltd, where he refined his support skills for healthcare professionals. His deep understanding of medical technologies and market trends aids in developing patient-centred sales strategies.

Before sales, James was a physiotherapist with NZ Kayaking and NZ Warriors/Kiwis, giving him valuable insight into the industry and enabling him to offer tailored solutions for healthcare needs.

Amanda Rutherford

Accounts Manager

After a 15 year hiatus from the workforce raising children and moving countries Amanda has joined us to help run the financial side of the business.

Amanda graduated from University with a Commerce and Science degree out of Canterbury and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to numbers having spent the next 15 years building a career starting at KPMG, moving into Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch, then Deutsche Bank as an Equities Analyst in the Economics & Strategy team.

We are looking forward to having Amanda on board and she is looking forward to working with such a dynamic group of people marketing such an innovative and progressive range of products.

Outside of work Amanda runs a busy family of four boys and tries to keep herself fit enough to keep up with them!

John Kidd

Customer Service Manager

John has been around supporting orthopaedics for a long time. His aim is work with our suppliers to have what is needed when it is needed.

The aim of Orb Medical is to connect kiwis to their happy place and for John it is to make sure the surgical team and clinical specialists have what they require for that to happen/

Rolly Rivera Jr.

Logistics Manager

Rolly joined ORB in 2023 bringing with him experience and knowledge in logistics, previously working at a Southern Cross hospital as a logistics coordinator at for the last 5 years. He has a Bachelor in computer science, and in his free time loves going to the gym.

Sam Minnell

South Island Manager - Orthopaedics

Sam combines a BCom in Marketing with 15 years of hands-on experience in the medical devices industry. Over the years, he has worked with leading companies in general surgery, orthopaedics, and robotics, developing a deep expertise in creating innovative solutions for healthcare providers. His strong grasp of both technical product details and client needs allows him to drive success and improve patient outcomes through high-quality service and support.

A fun fact about Sam: he’s also a fully qualified chef! Outside of work, he enjoys skiing down mountains and exploring mountain bike trails, always seeking his next adventure.

Rochelle O'Donnell

Associate Territory Manager

Rochelle grew up in Wellington and completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Massey University in Palmerston North.

She has a clinical background as a Registered Nurse and has worked in the operating rooms at both Waikato and Auckland City hospital. She specialized in Orthopedics for 5 years before challenging herself in the medical devices industry.

Previously within the industry Rochelle has worked for both arthroplasty and spinal companies which have allowed her to build a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics and underlying pathophysiology of hip and knee joints, and more recently spine.

Rochelle has a real passion for spinal surgery, including a special interest in deformity work. She is very excited starting her journey with ORB Medical and is committed to adding value to both surgeons and patients in achieving best possible outcomes.

Outside of work Rochelle enjoys keeping fit and active and going on adventures with her partner and their dog Eddie who is a retired racing Greyhound.

Going the Distance for Kiwi Kids - 07.24

12 July 2024 | 2 min read
When the stakes are high, teamwork and dedication make all the difference. Here’s how an extraordinary effort ensured a child’s surgery went ahead as planned.