Swanand Sardesai is an accomplished Senior Director of R&D at Edwards Lifesciences, with extensive experience leading research and development efforts in the medical device industry. Prior roles include Director of R&D at JenaValve Technology, Inc., where significant contributions were made to the development of transcatheter aortic valve implants and compliance with regulatory standards, resulting in successful FDA negotiations and CE mark approval. Previous positions include engineering leadership at KaVo Kerr, Endologix Inc., Alcon, GE Aviation, Merck, Pratt & Whitney, Siemens VDO, and Avery Dennison, showcasing a strong background in finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the development of innovative medical and engineering solutions. Sardesai holds a PhD in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from The University of Alabama in Huntsville, as well as a Master’s degree from Illinois Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University.