Medtronic chief operating officer steps down

CHICAGO, April 29 (Reuters) - Medical device maker Medtronic Inc (MDT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday its chief operating officer, Michael DeMane, has decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.

Medtronic's global business unit presidents will report to President and Chief Executive Bill Hawkins, effective immediately, the company said.

The Minneapolis-based company also announced a series of appointments, including Jean-Luc Butel as senior vice president and president of Medtronic International, James Dallas as senior vice president for quality and operations and Katie Szyman as senior vice president of a newly formed strategy and development group.

Steve LaNeve, formerly president of Medtronic Japan, was named senior vice president and president of Medtronic's spinal and biologics business, replacing Pete Wehrly, who is leaving the company. (Reporting by Susan Kelly)