The Carlson School of Management's 1st Tuesday Speaker Series began in 1992 to provide an opportunity for alumni and friends of the Carlson School to continue their management education. The 1st Tuesday Speaker Series features top executives addressing hot topics in business and leadership. Held on the first Tuesday of every month at the McNamara Alumni Center, with a virtual participation option, the program attracts alumni and business leaders from throughout the corporate community and has become an attractive spot for professionals in the metropolitan area to network.

The April event features Geoff Martha, CEO of Medtronic.

Geoff Martha is chairman and CEO of Medtronic. He leads the $30 billion company and its 90,000 employees in pursuit of fulfilling the Medtronic Mission to use technology to improve human welfare. Geoff has accelerated Medtronic’s strategic acquisitions, boldly pursued novel R&D funding models, and embraced new ways to partner across industries and global borders.

Geoff assumed his current role as CEO in April 2020. He previously held several leadership roles throughout the company. Since joining Medtronic in 2011, Geoff has remained an ardent supporter of Medtronic-sponsored philanthropic and diversity initiatives. He is a member of the Medtronic Foundation Board of Directors and serves as Medtronic’s Executive Sponsor to FIRST Robotics. Geoff also led the Medtronic African Descent Network - an internal resource group focused on recruitment, engagement, retention, and development for employees of African descent. Before joining Medtronic, Geoff spent 19 years in a variety of business development, strategic marketing, and sales management roles at GE Healthcare and GE Capital.

Geoff is an active member of the global business community, and passionate about socio-economic issues. He serves on several industry and business-related boards, as well as organizations committed to improving the lives of people in Minneapolis and throughout the nation.

Geoff received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, graduating with highest honors. He was captain of the Penn State men’s hockey team and was later inducted into its Hockey Hall of Fame.