Invacare Corp. has named an Interim CEO, as its board of directors announced it’s searching for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

In an Aug. 29 news announcement, Invacare said Geoffrey P. Purtill will serve as Interim CEO while that search is being conducted. Purtill has been serving as Invacare’s Senior VP and General Manager, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC).

Purtill replaces Matthew E. Monaghan, who stepped down as Invacare’s Chairman, President, and CEO on Aug. 28.

The leadership change is part of Invacare’s evolving business structure, the announcement said.

Cliff Nastas, who has been Invacare’s Lead Independent Director, said in the announcement, “After careful consideration, the board determined that now is the right time for a change in leadership to oversee the successful execution of Invacare’s business transformation. We welcome Geoff, who has distinguished himself throughout his tenure with Invacare. The board has full confidence that he has the right skillset and industry experience to lead the company through this transition as we search for a permanent successor who can accelerate the achievement of our objectives. We thank Matt for his years of service. We look forward to having Geoff advance our strategic initiatives.”

Purtill had been Invacare’s Senior VP and GM, EMEA and APAC, since December 2021. Before that, he led Invacare’s global strategy efforts. Before joining Invacare, Purtill worked in sales, category management, and supply chain leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson and Nestle.

In the same announcement, Invacare said Michael J. Merriman Jr. has been appointed a director and is now non-executive Chairman of the Board.

“Mr. Merriman, who previously served on Invacare’s board and served as chair of its Audit Committee from 2014 to 2018, will also serve on the company’s Strategy Committee,” the announcement said. “As the independent Chairman of the Board, Mr. Merriman succeeds Cliff Nastas as the company’s lead independent director.”