In the fast-paced world of business, it is not uncommon for leaders to build successful companies and then step down to enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, there are some exceptional individuals who do not let their success slow them down. Joe Kiani, the former CEO and founder of Masimo, is one such leader. After leading Masimo to become a global leader in patient monitoring, Kiani resigned in late 2024. But instead of taking a break, he has redirected his energy into a series of ventures that combine health, technology, and human connection.
For over three decades, Joe Kiani has been a trailblazer in the healthcare industry. He founded Masimo in 1989, with a mission to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care by revolutionizing patient monitoring. Kiani’s vision was to create innovative technologies that would make a real difference in people’s lives. And he did just that. Under his leadership, Masimo developed groundbreaking devices that have become an integral part of patient care in hospitals and homes around the world.
Kiani’s passion for improving healthcare did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his contributions to the industry. This recognition further solidified his position as a leader in the healthcare field. But even with all his success, Kiani never lost sight of his ultimate goal – to use technology to improve human health and well-being.
In late 2024, Kiani resigned from his position as CEO of Masimo, but it was far from retirement. Instead, he redirected his energy towards new ventures that would continue to make a positive impact in the world. One of his most notable projects is the launch of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation. This non-profit organization aims to eliminate preventable patient deaths globally by creating a culture of safety in healthcare. Kiani believes that by bringing together healthcare providers, technology companies, patient advocates, and policymakers, they can achieve their goal of zero preventable deaths by 2030.
Kiani has also turned his focus towards improving patient outcomes through digital health. He founded Cercacor, a company that creates non-invasive medical devices to monitor patient health, such as oxygen levels, pulse rate, and more. The company’s flagship product, the Masimo MightySat, is a fingertip pulse oximeter that allows patients to monitor their health at home. This device has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows individuals to track their oxygen levels and quickly seek medical attention if needed.
In addition to his ventures in the healthcare industry, Kiani is also a champion for human connection. He believes that technology should not replace human interaction, but rather enhance it. That is why he founded the Human Connections Institute, which aims to use technology to improve communication and relationships between individuals, both personally and professionally. Kiani believes that in today’s digital world, it is crucial to find ways to foster authentic connections between people.
Kiani’s dedication to improving healthcare and promoting human connection has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs and being inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s College of Fellows. But for Kiani, the true reward is seeing the impact his work has on people’s lives.
In conclusion, Joe Kiani’s journey from a California startup to a global leader in patient monitoring is truly inspiring. And even after stepping down from his position at Masimo, he continues to make a difference in the world through his various ventures. Kiani’s passion for using technology to improve human health and well-being is unwavering, and his dedication to promoting human connection is a reminder that amidst all the advancements, we must not forget the value of genuine human interaction. We can only imagine what other remarkable ventures Kiani will embark on in the future, but one thing is for sure – his legacy in the healthcare industry will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
