Abanzamed - A new era in soft tissue fixation

A Team Driven by Innovation

At Abanza, we are a team of forward-thinking professionals passionate about transforming sports medicine. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance surgical precision and improve the lives of athletes and active individuals. We believe in preserving natural anatomy while advancing the field with simpler, more effective, and patient-centered innovations.

With expertise in Life Sciences and Orthopaedics, we are committed to leading the soft tissue repair market by delivering groundbreaking technologies that support faster recovery and optimal performance. Our dedicated specialists combine deep knowledge with innovation to push the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re not just shaping the future of orthopaedic care—we’re redefining it, ensuring that every step forward leads to better outcomes for patients worldwide.

Senior Executive Team

A team of visionaries committed to transforming by driving innovation in Life Sciences and Orthopedics

Juan Abascal

Founder & CEO

Juan Abascal

Founder & CEO

Juan Abascal has been leading ABANZA since its founding in 2017, serving as CEO and Chairman of the Board. With a strong background in entrepreneurship and deep expertise in the medical device industry, he holds a Master's in Biomedical Instrumentation and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Navarra (Spain). He is also the co-author of multiple patents in the field of orthopedics. Before establishing ABANZA, Juan founded and served as Director of Business Development for a startup specializing in digital imaging systems. During this time, he had the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, gaining invaluable experience in business development and innovation. Juan's vision is to position ABANZA as a trailblazing medical device company, focused on advancing surgical techniques and pioneering a new era in soft tissue repair implants—all with the ultimate goal of enhancing patients' quality of life, from children to seniors.

Hugo Dominguez

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Hugo Dominguez

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Hugo Domínguez has more than 20 years of international experience in the medical field by developing and expanding product portfolios and brands in Europe, Middle East and Latin America, for European and American companies in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. He joined ABANZA in 2019 as VP of Sales and Development and became partner of the company and member of the Board of Directors. His passion is building teams and distribution networks for small companies with innovative solutions.

John Rizzo

Executive VP USA

John Rizzo

Executive VP USA

Having exceled and progressed in orthopedic medical device business for over 30 years, John has the experience of building successful teams and distribution channels in both start-up and mature growth situations. Before joining ABANZA John was Senior Vice President of Sales for Embody Inc. for three years where he took the company from pre-revenue to a very successful exit in February of 2023 when Zimmer Biomet acquired the company; John was then part of the sales & integration team at Zimmer Biomet in the months since. Prior to Embody John led US Sales for Knee Creations (Subchondroplasty® Procedure) which was also acquired by Zimmer Biomet and where he continued the growth of that business from $500k in the first year to over $50MM in annual sales within six years. Adding the expanded portfolio of all the Early Interventions businesses at Zimmer Biomet, John and his team directed a company leading 20% annual growth to $185MM in sales in 2019. John held previous leadership roles with increasing responsibility at Smith & Nephew’s Endoscopy division, Custom Spine, Regen Biologics and Oratec Interventions.

Ander Menaut

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Ander Menaut

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Ander Menaut graduated in Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering and has a strong background in product design, development, manufacturing, quality, and certification of medical devices. He joined Abanza in 2017 as R&D Director, helping grow the team and leading the development of new implantable devices and surgical instruments. In 2024, Ander became Chief Technology Officer (CTO), ensuring that Abanza’s products meet the highest standards throughout their lifecycle. He oversees the entire development process, from early design to manufacturing and regulatory approval, making sure that every product is safe, effective, and meets user needs. He is also actively involved in intellectual property strategy, protecting innovations and strengthening Abanza’s position in the medical device industry. His focus is on turning ideas into real solutions that improve patient care.

Jaione

QA Director

Jaione

QA Director

Jaione is a senior engineering professional with extensive experience in production management, quality systems, and continuous improvement within highly regulated industrial environments, particularly in the medical device sector. As Director of Quality Assurance, Jaione leads the implementation of robust quality strategies to ensure full compliance with international regulations (ISO 13485, FDA, MDR) and to guarantee product safety, efficacy, and performance throughout the lifecycle. With a strong focus on leadership and team development, Jaione fosters high-performing, cross-functional teams and drives operational excellence through data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Andrea Larrañaga

RA Director

Andrea Larrañaga

RA Director

Andrea Larrañaga is Director of Regulatory Affairs at ABANZA. With a background in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s degree specializing in medical device design, she offers a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and regulatory aspects of healthcare innovation Since 2021, she has worked as a regulatory affairs consultant for medical device companies, gaining experience with EU MDR, FDA regulations, and ISO 13485 compliance. At ABANZA, Andrea leads the development and execution of global regulatory strategies, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance/ effectiveness. She works closely with cross-functional teams—from R&D to quality and manufacturing—to align regulatory requirements with product development goals. Passionate about patient safety and innovation, Andrea is committed to facilitating market access for cutting-edge medical technologies that improve healthcare outcomes.

Advisory Board

Our board of experts in technology, medicine, and business sets the strategic direction towards innovation and excellence in sports medicine

Drue De Angelis

Entrepreneur and Orthopaedic Business Advisor

Drue De Angelis

Entrepreneur and Orthopaedic Business Advisor

Drue De Angelis is an accomplished medical device entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience building and advising high-growth orthopedic companies. He is the Managing Partner at The DeAngelis Group, an executive search firm focused on startups within the musculoskeletal industry. Drue has an extensive network and deep knowledge of the orthopedic sector, enabling him to provide strategic value to clients seeking to drive enterprise growth. Drue lends his expertise to multiple startups, boards and organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for APEX Biologix and is on the Board of Directors at Tempida, Chiro-Core Sleep Systems. Early in his career, Drue held various senior sales and management roles with major orthopedic companies like Stryker and Zimmer Biomet With his deep industry expertise, proven leadership ability, and commitment to advancing the medical technology field, Drue is a respected executive and trusted advisor across orthopedics and spine.

Dr. Nicholas Pachuda

Former orthopedic surgeon with advisory positions in several medical companies

Dr. Nicholas Pachuda

Former orthopedic surgeon with advisory positions in several medical companies

Dr. Nicholas Pachuda serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Peptilogics and has approximately 30 years of clinical and industry experience in Life Sciences including Orthopedics, Medtech, and Biotech. He is a Venture Partner at Mountain State Capital and Runway Healthcare. He is a board member and advisor to several startups. He served in executive roles in R&D, clinical, innovation, BD, and commercial P&L leadership. He was involved with several successful startups (3 successful exits), midcaps, and multinationals, including 10 years at Johnson & Johnson where he led Global External Innovation. He cofounded the extremities business at Arthrex and led BD and New Ventures for Synthes where he launched their first ASC commercial business. He was trained as a Foot and Ankle Surgeon and completed an International Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship.

Joaquin Delgado

Former 3M Healthcare Executive VP and advisor of medical companies

Joaquin Delgado

Former 3M Healthcare Executive VP and advisor of medical companies

Dr. Joaquin Delgado has been an Executive Vice President of Consumer Business Group at 3M Company since July 11, 2016. Dr. Delgado served as an Executive Vice President of Health Care Business Group at 3M Company from 2012 to July 11, 2016 and served as its Executive Vice President of Electro and Communications Business from July 2009 to 2012. Dr. Delgado served in Business Unit Executive of Research, Development and New Business Ventures at 3M Company. His Career at 3M includes Vice President and General Manager, Electronics Markets Materials Division since 2007 and Vice President of Research and Development and New Business Ventures, Consumer and Office Business since 2005. He served as the Managing Director of 3M Korea since 2003; Executive Director, Research and Development, Corporate Technology and Industrial Business since 2002; Executive Director, Research and Development, Corporate Technology and Industrial Markets since 2001; Technical Director, Industrial Tape and Specialties Division and Packaging Systems Division since 2001; and Technical Director, Industrial Tape and Specialties Division since 2000. He served as Technical Director of 3M Asia Pacific, Singapore since 1998; Corporate Development Laboratory Manager, Sumitomo 3M since 1996; Technical Manager of Adhesive Technologies Center since 1995; Technical Supervisor, Adhesive Technologies Center since 1993; Research Specialist of Adhesive Technologies Center since 1990; and Senior Polymer Chemist for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technologies Center since 1987. He has been a Director of Stepan Company since 2011. Dr. Delgado holds M.S. - Polymer Science and Engineering from University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain in 1983 and Ph.D. - Polymer Science and Engineering from Lehigh University, Pennsylvania in 1987.