Joe Kiani, the Founder and Executive Chair of Willow Laboratories in Irvine, California, is at the forefront of innovation in health and wellness. Under his leadership, Willow Laboratories has created cutting-edge technologies that assist hospitals globally, improving healthcare standards.
Joe founded Masimo, a global medical technology company, in 1989. He served as Chairman and CEO. Joe's desire to improve patient care and decrease medical errors led him to co-invent what is known as modern pulse oximetry. His innovation overcame what the industry deemed "unsolvable"- traditional pulse oximetry's unreliability. Masimo Signal Extraction Technology® (SET®) helped reduce false alarms by 95% and fundamentally improved the reliability of the "fifth vital sign." With Masimo SET®, clinicians were able to reduce blindness in premature babies and more effectively screen for critical congenital heart disease.
Joe grew Masimo from a "garage start-up" into a successful publicly traded company that employs more than 8,000 people globally. Masimo SET® is used to monitor more than 200 million...Joe Kiani, the Founder and Executive Chair of Willow Laboratories in Irvine, California, is at the forefront of innovation in health and wellness. Under his leadership, Willow Laboratories has created cutting-edge technologies that assist hospitals globally, improving healthcare standards.
Joe founded Masimo, a global medical technology company, in 1989. He served as Chairman and CEO. Joe's desire to improve patient care and decrease medical errors led him to co-invent what is known as modern pulse oximetry. His innovation overcame what the industry deemed "unsolvable"- traditional pulse oximetry's unreliability. Masimo Signal Extraction Technology® (SET®) helped reduce false alarms by 95% and fundamentally improved the reliability of the "fifth vital sign." With Masimo SET®, clinicians were able to reduce blindness in premature babies and more effectively screen for critical congenital heart disease.
Joe grew Masimo from a "garage start-up" into a successful publicly traded company that employs more than 8,000 people globally. Masimo SET® is used to monitor more than 200 million patients a year. Masimo also introduced the Opioid Halo, the first of its kind opioid overdose monitoring and alert system to receive FDA approval that is now available for use at home and in healthcare facilities. Joe is also the co-founder of A Starting Point, a video-based civic engagement platform.
Joe is the founder of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, a non-profit that works to eliminate preventable medical errors around the world. He is also the Founder and Chairman of both the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare and Like Minded Media Ventures.
In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Joe to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Joe serves on several boards of directors. He also speaks at events globally, championing the rights of those who are not always empowered to speak for themselves.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Willow Laboratories, based in Irvine, California, is a leader in health and wellness innovation. The company holds 127 issued patents and has 48 patents pending, with its technologies being used by leading hospitals worldwide.
Masimo is a global medical technology company that develops and produces a wide array of industry-leading monitoring technologies, including innovative measurements, sensors, and patient monitors. Powered by the Masimo Hospital Automation™ platform, Masimo connectivity, automation, and telehealth solutions continue to improve and automate care delivery both in the hospital and the home.
Cercacor is a health and wellness innovator that strives to empower others by providing valuable and personalized insight into their health and bodies. With over 127 issued and 48 pending patents to their name, Cercacor technologies are used by leading hospitals around the world, licensed under the name Masimo rainbow SET® (Signal Extraction Technology®).
The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare
Founder & Chairman
2010
-
Sep 2024
Irvine, CA, USA
The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare is a private charitable foundation focused on improving patient care, preserving patient dignity, and reducing cost of care, through philanthropic programs and research that foster aligned incentives, the highest level of ethics for those who provide patient care, and fair competition in the healthcare marketplace.
Patient Safety Movement Foundation seeks to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals by working with patient safety experts around the world to create actionable, evidence-based practices. The Foundation's annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit gathers stakeholders including patients, healthcare providers, medical tech companies, government employers, and private payers.
Like Minded Media Ventures is the parent company of Like Minded Entertainment and Like Minded Labs, bringing together talent and technology to empower, create and connect. Like Minded Entertainment creates content that bridges the gaps between Film, Television and Digital and Social Media. Like Minded Labs develops custom technology that empowers storytellers and engages audiences.
A Starting Point is a video-based civic engagement platform created by Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and technology entrepreneur Joe Kiani. ASP’s mission is to create a bipartisan channel of communication and connectivity between Americans and their elected officials with the goal of creating a more informed electorate.
The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) consists of distinguished individuals from sectors outside of the Federal Government who advise the President on policy matters where the understanding of science, technology, and innovation is key.
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.
The Carter Center
Board of Councilors
2021
-
Present
Atlanta, GA, USA
The Carter Center is guided by the principles of its Founders, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. It was founded in partnership with Emory University, on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
Board of Directors | Chairman of the Board Quality Committee
2015
-
Present
Orange, CA, USA
Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC), a pediatric healthcare system based in Orange County, California, is committed to being a leading destination for children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care.
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only collective of innovative leaders and the most creative people in business. The group meets several times a year for webinars and roundtable discussions on some of the greatest opportunities and most pressing challenges of our time, and the role companies and council members can play in shaping the future.
The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists®. For 35 years, FAER has been dedicated to developing the next generation of physician-investigators.
Like Minded Media Ventures is the parent company of Like Minded Entertainment and Like Minded Labs, bringing together talent and technology to empower, create and connect. Like Minded Entertainment creates content that bridges the gaps between Film, Television and Digital and Social Media. Like Minded Labs develops custom technology that empowers storytellers and engages audiences.
Masimo
Chairman
1989
-
Present
Irvine, CA, USA
Masimo is a global medical technology company that develops and produces a wide array of industry-leading monitoring technologies, including innovative measurements, sensors, and patient monitors. Powered by the Masimo Hospital Automation™ platform, Masimo connectivity, automation, and telehealth solutions continue to improve and automate care delivery both in the hospital and the home.
The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare
Chairman
2010
-
Present
Irvine, CA, USA
The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare is a private charitable foundation focused on improving patient care, preserving patient dignity, and reducing cost of care, through philanthropic programs and research that foster aligned incentives, the highest level of ethics for those who provide patient care, and fair competition in the healthcare marketplace.
Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) is the leading voice representing the interests of innovative and entrepreneurial medical technology companies. MDMA members all share a common goal: to provide patients and clinicians with timely access to safe and effective medical technologies that improve the quality of life.
Patient Safety Movement Foundation seeks to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals by working with patient safety experts around the world to create actionable, evidence-based practices. The Foundation's annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit gathers stakeholders including patients, healthcare providers, medical tech companies, government employers, and private payers.
Since its inception in 1961, the College of Engineering has evolved into a top choice for serious engineering students and researchers from all over the globe. It delivers broad-spectrum, world-class engineering education, combined with practical research experience.
SMS Biotech is a pre-clinical, late-stage biotech company. Through a combination of hard work and over 30 years of experience in research and applications, SMS Biotech has been able to introduce a new proprietary technology that will change the way the life science industry approaches the research of cells, drugs and toxins.
The UCI Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences is translating its tripartite mission to Discover. Teach. Heal. into the diverse healthcare workforce of the future and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable—so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.
The Newborn Foundation is dedicated to leveraging technology innovation to save newborn lives and improve health outcomes for the newest, most vulnerable citizens.
United for Oxygen Alliance
United for Oxygen Alliance is the world’s first effort by a consortium of government, industry, foundation and civil society organizations to scale-up access to pulse oximetry and oxygen in health facilities in Ethiopia, with a special focus on reducing deaths among children under five and pregnant women.
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Since its founding, Smile Train has provided training and financial support for the treatment of clefts, empowering medical professionals around the world to treat cleft patients with life-changing surgery and related comprehensive cleft care that they would not otherwise be able to access.
The International Trade Commission issued an order to halt the importation of certain Apple Watches into the United States last week, handing a major win to medical device-maker Masimo in a years-long patent battle with the most valuable company in the world.
The U.S. International Trade Court has already ruled that Apple infringed at least one of Masimo’s patents back in January. The ITC is expected to make its final ruling this month.
Joe Kiani is one of more than a dozen executives, inventors, investors and more who have described difficult encounters with Apple. 'When Apple takes an interest in a company, it's the kiss of death."
Masimo and Temple Health Form Innovation Collaboration with Focus on Hospital Automation and Telehealth
Mar 2023
Irvine, CA, USA
With an emphasis on advancing the forefront remote patient monitoring and telehealth, as well as automating high-quality care, the collaboration may include the use of such innovations as the Masimo W1™ advanced health tracking watch, the Radius VSM™ tetherless, and more.
Executives with Masimo unveiled a facility in Mabelvale where researchers will develop and test products, including a device designed to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms.
A Starting Point Co-Founders, Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and Joe Kiani, join Yahoo Finance’s The First Trade with Alexis Christoforous and Brian Sozzi to discuss their new political venture A Starting Point, key issues lawmakers are currently addressing and much more. Evans also weighs in on the entertainment industry.
Joe Kiani, Chris Evans and Mark Kassen join The Atlantic to discuss the impetus for founding A Starting Point and their mission to create a better-informed electorate.
President Bill Clinton has supported the efforts of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation since its founding. Both Joe and Bill have worked tirelessly for the organization, and each continue to work hard as the Patient Safety movement continues to grow.
Joe Kiani was honored as the 1st IP Champion at the IPO Education Foundation Awards Dinner in Washington, DC. The award celebrates modern-day heroes for their accomplishments in the fields of innovation, creativity, and IP rights.
KMIR NBC Palm Springs introduces viewers to Masimo's MightySat® Rx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Joe Kiani joins the newscast to discuss the MightySat's features and how it functions.
Masimo CEO Joe Kiani describes how Masimo SafetyNet can help reduce demand on hospital beds and PPE by keeping lower acuity patients out of the hospital.
Joe Kiani joined Jim Cramer to discuss how the company's Masimo SafetyNet is an incredibly useful medical tool for health-care workers during the deadly Covid-19 outbreak to track patient vitals from a safe distance.
Joe Kiani was featured on Bloomberg’s ‘Balance of Power’ to discuss how Masimo SafetyNet™, a remote patient management solution, helps providers extend care far beyond the boundaries of the hospital.
Joe Kiani is joined by WTA Professional, Coco Vandeweghe, to introduce Masimo's new MightySat® Rx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Coco Vandeweghe shares her insight as a MightySat® user and how it has helped her as an athlete.
Beginning with the founding of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation in 2012, to the purchase of an apartment complex to house the homeless (named the Friendship Shelter), this feature highlights Joe Kiani's work in solving some of society's most pressing problems.
The San Diego Union Tribune highlights Joe Kiani's work as the head of Masimo and celebrates the 10-year mark of his leadership in the anti-harm movement in the medical community.
This feature highlights Joe Kiani's place on the 2022 Forbes' 400 list. It highlights Joe's journey, notably the personal and professional odds he faced, to building the medical industry's leading blood oxygen monitoring device, while also leading Masimo from a small company to one that is challenging those 100 times its size.
This feature in Stat magazine chronicles Joe Kiani's work in the healthcare field, from the early days of Masimo to events like the Patient Safety Movement Foundation's annual summit.
At the 2025 Annual Gala, Asia Society Southern California honoured Joe Kiani with the title of “Medical Tech Visionary” for his ground-breaking contributions to patient monitoring. The award was presented by California Congressman Ted Lieu, who praised Joe for his advancements in healthcare technology and his commitment to patient safety.
The Robert Wears Patient Safety Award honors individuals who have significantly impacted the field of patient safety through critical analysis, research, education or knowledge dissemination.
Presented by the Newborn Foundation, the 'Dawn of Life' award honors individuals making a difference in infant mortality rates. The Newborn Foundation is dedicated to leveraging technology innovation to save newborn lives and improve health outcomes for the newest, most vulnerable citizens.
The Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) annual awards program recognizes and honors the achievements of SCCM members, while encouraging excellence in teaching and research.
National Entrepreneur of the Year | Life Sciences Award
2012
Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes the most ambitious leaders who are building and sustaining successful, dynamic businesses around the world. Award winners comprise a global network of like-minded visionaries, each on a transformational journey to create, innovate, grow, learn and build a better world.
In his keynote speech at LSI, Joe Kiani made a compelling case for leveraging innovation not only for profit but also for significant societal impact. He urged medtech leaders to prioritize transparency, equity, and a lifesaving mission.
TechCon SoCal is a vibrant gathering of innovation, networking, and advanced technology, bringing together the brightest minds and industry leaders from Southern California to shape the future of the tech landscape.
Joe Kiani chatted with SDSU President Adela de la Torre and answered questions from students and faculty in the one-hour lecture, which drew an audience of around 150 to the second-floor Theatre.
In his keynote address, Joe Kiani discussed two major elements of a sustainable patient safety mission: Transparency and Aligned Incentives. Notably, he discussed the organization's 18 Actionable Patient Safety Solutions and called for hospitals around the world to show greater transparency in reporting medical errors and preventable deaths.
Founder Joe Kiani discusses the various ways the Patient Safety Movement Foundation has helped bring momentum to patient safety through the creation of the World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit, open data pledges, meaningful partnerships, and more.
Joe Kiani recognizes the 89 healthcare technology companies for their efforts in signing the Open Data Pledge and encourages more companies to follow. Because of the efforts in breaking down the silos in healthcare, it is possible to work together instead of in competition with one another so that the healthcare system as a whole can save every single life possible.
Joe Kiani shares his life experiences and how they led to his belief that microscopic changes can bring forth a true revolution against injustice. This idea guided him to his entrepreneurial spirit and what he calls "micro-fixing."
Masimo announced a major expansion of Masimo Patient SafetyNet™, its premier hospital remote patient monitoring and clinician notification platform, with the addition of secure telehealth capabilities – making an already powerful solution even more versatile and comprehensive.
Masimo announced today the FDA clearance of SedLine® brain function monitoring for pediatric patients (1-17 years of age) and the SedLine Pediatric EEG Sensor. With this clearance, the potential benefits of SedLine have been expanded to all patients one year old and above in the United States.
Masimo announced a major expansion of Masimo SafetyNet® that brings robust, secure video conferencing to the remote patient management and connectivity platform to offer a comprehensive telehealth and telemonitoring solution—and for patients, a better “hospital at home” experience.
Masimo and Temple Health announced that Temple University Hospital (TUH), a 722-bed academic medical center located in Philadelphia, is expanding its use of Masimo technologies with Centroid™, an advanced wireless patient position, orientation, activity, and respiration rate sensor, at 100 beds across its ICU units.
Masimo announced that Founder, Chairman & CEO Joe Kiani has been appointed by President Joe Biden to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
The announcement marked the CE commercial launch in Europe of the single-patient-use adhesive rainbow® SuperSensor™, compatible for use with both Masimo and third-party monitors with Masimo rainbow® technology inside.
Joe Kiani received the European Patient Blood Management (PBM) Network Platinum Award from the University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany and an award from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
