Interpore Cross International Announces Board Member Change; David W. Chonette Replaces G. Bradford Jones

Business Wire, Nov 20, 2000

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2000

Interpore Cross International (Nasdaq:BONZ) Monday announced that the company's board of directors unanimously voted to appoint David W. Chonette to the board as a director to serve the unexpired term of G. Bradford Jones, who has resigned from the board to pursue other interests.

Jones stated that he has no disagreements with the board of directors, but wished to reduce his outside board commitments.

Chonette, age 65, is an adviser to Southern California-based Versant Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in companies in the medical devices, health-care services, bio-pharmaceuticals and eHealth areas. Prior to Versant Ventures, Chonette was a general partner with Brentwood Venture Capital, which he joined in 1986.

Chonette's background also includes having served as the president of the Edwards Division of American Hospital Supply Corp. (now Baxter International) prior to Brentwood.

Jones, age 45, is a general partner with Redpoint Ventures, a venture capital fund which invests in Internet communications, media and commerce companies, and he also serves as an adviser to Versant Ventures. Prior to founding Redpoint Ventures in 1999, he was a general partner with Brentwood Venture Capital, which he joined in 1981. Jones has served on Interpore Cross' board of directors since 1982.

David C. Mercer, chairman and chief executive officer of Interpore Cross, commenting on the board changes, said: "Brad has contributed greatly to Interpore Cross' growth and success during his 18 years of service as an Interpore Cross board member. I'd like to publicly express our appreciation for his leadership during this period of great change for the company."

Mercer added: "That being said, we couldn't have found a better replacement for Brad than Dave Chonette. Dave has substantial experience in the medical device industry, and in fact is quite knowledgeable about Interpore Cross, having served on our board of directors in the past. We welcome Dave and look forward to his leadership and contributions."

Interpore Cross International is a medical device company that designs, manufactures and markets spinal implant devices and synthetic bone and tissue products on a worldwide basis. The spinal products are used to treat degenerative conditions and deformities of the spine. The bone and tissue products are used in orthopedic, oral/maxillofacial and ophthalmic applications.