$NVCN Neovasc Inc. (Nasdaq: NVCN), a front-runner in minimally invasive transcatheter mitral valve technologies today announced that its board of directors (the "Board" has appointed Fred A. Colen as president and chief executive officer effective immediately.This leadership transition is a key element of the Company's strategy to support plans for the commercialization of its new-to-market Reducer™ ("Reducer" product in Europe and the advancement of its Tiara™ ("Tiara" mitral valve clinical program. Alexei Marko, Neovasc's outgoing CEO, will maintain his role as a Director on the Neovasc Board of Directors and continue to serve as an advisor to the Company. 

"After ten years building Neovasc, I am convinced that now is the time for new leadership to take the Company to the next level. I am especially pleased that an industry leader of Fred Colen's caliber has accepted this opportunity," said Alexei Marko, outgoing CEO of Neovasc. "I look forward to my continued involvement as a board member."