Paul Torreggiani’s path to becoming Vice President of Business Development at AbClo—a cutting-edge medical device company—began with a degree in economics and a career in medical sales. His journey has taken him from pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer to medical device leaders like Medtronic, shaping his leadership style and expertise along the way. With over 20 years of experience, Paul has seen the healthcare industry evolve and continues to make a significant impact, now focusing on AbClo, a device that manages fascial closure on intentionally left-open abdomens.

From Economics to Medical Sales

Paul’s transition from economics to medical sales happened shortly after his time at the University of Calgary. The booming pharmaceutical industry at the time presented exciting growth opportunities. Starting his career in pharmaceutical sales, Paul joined Pfizer and was tasked with launching groundbreaking products like Lipitor and Viagra. His experience there honed his strategic thinking and leadership, as he managed teams of over 300 representatives across Canada.

“The pharmaceutical industry was on fire when I started. With Lipitor, we became number one within two years. I was managing a large team, and the experience of working on a product that fundamentally changed how we managed cardiovascular health was thrilling,” Paul recalls.

Leading Through Change

Paul’s career evolved as he moved into medical devices with Medtronic, where he managed five divisions in Western Canada with a $280 million budget. He later joined Roche Diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic, an intense period of challenge and innovation. Paul was tasked with managing the demand for diagnostic equipment while working closely with governments to prioritize areas most in need.

“During the pandemic, we had to pivot quickly. At Roche, we developed COVID testing methods and supported the vaccine development process. Riche locked down a town of 50,000 in Pensbuge Germany for a month and a half to produce the covid 19 diagnostic test that typically would take 3years. It was all hands on deck,” he reflects.

The experience of working through the pandemic taught Paul valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of adapting to evolving challenges, particularly in a high-stakes healthcare environment.

Early Lessons and Mentors in Building a Leadership Philosophy

Throughout his career, Paul credits early mentorship experiences for shaping his leadership style. One formative example came during his time at the University of Calgary, working in a bar managed by a 27-year-old boss who empowered his student team to take ownership of their responsibilities.

“That boss showed me the importance of trust and empathy when managing a team. He treated us well, empowered us, and trusted us to run a bar that was doing $5,000 a day. I’ve carried that example with me—how you treat your team makes all the difference.”

This foundation of trust, empathy, and empowerment has become central to Paul’s leadership approach, helping him navigate the complex world of business development and healthcare management.

Joining AbClo and A New Frontier

Paul’s transition to AbClo came after volunteering for a healthcare accelerator in Vancouver, where he was introduced to the company’s founder, Chris Bass. He was impressed by the technology behind AbClo, a device designed to make the process of closing intentionally left-open abdomens safer and more efficient.

“AbClo is a game-changer. It offers both economic and clinical benefits, which is a rare combination in medical devices. Unlike many new technologies, it’s not flashy or overly complicated. It simply pushes the abdominal wall together instead of pulling as do other technologies, which makes it easier for surgeons to use without changing their protocols. That simplicity is its strength.”

As VP of Business Development, Paul spends much of his time traveling to hospitals, supporting the implementation of AbClo, and training teams. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with hospitals across North America adopting the device.

The Future of Medical Devices and AbClo’s Role

• Paul sees the future of medical devices being shaped by both economic and clinical needs. “In today’s healthcare system, nothing successfully comes to market unless it provides clear economic and clinical benefits. That’s where AbClo excels—it’s easy to integrate into existing systems and helps improve patient outcomes.”

He also believes that the healthcare industry will continue to evolve as surgeons and physicians remain open to new technologies. “The medical community is always curious. Surgeons have spent years honing their techniques, and AbClo doesn’t ask them to change those techniques—it just makes things easier for them.”

With his wealth of experience in both large corporations and startups, Paul is well-positioned to guide AbClo’s growth. He remains committed to fostering teamwork and ensuring that the company’s devices reach the right hands—surgeons dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

Paul Torreggiani’s journey through the healthcare industry has been marked by innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to his teams and their success. As he continues to shape the future of medical devices at AbClo, Paul’s leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry.

“We’re here to make a difference,” he says. “And that’s what drives me every day”.

Interested in learning more about AbClo and the team behind it? Check out our other team features here.