BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) announced the appointment of Gary Sorsher as executive vice president and chief quality officer, effective September 8, according to a company statement.

Sorsher previously served as chief quality officer at Edwards Lifesciences. He brings more than 30 years of experience in quality leadership roles at medical technology companies.

Sorsher's appointment follows the planned retirement of Jeffrey Silvestri, who currently serves as senior vice president and global head of quality. Silvestri, who joined BD in 1998, will retire in October after more than 25 years with the company.

Tom Polen, chairman, CEO and president of BD, commented on the transition: "Quality is the most important way we earn trust with customers and patients who rely on BD every day. Gary's experience leading high-performing global quality teams and his practical, continuous improvement approach will be important as we continue to advance world-class quality excellence and keep raising the bar for what we deliver."

BD is a Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based medical technology company with more than 60,000 employees operating globally.