At MedQAIR, we combine regulatory expertise with a passion for building bridges, connecting continents, linking innovators with compliance, and uniting people who share deep industry knowledge and a commitment to impact. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Mike Graney as our new Business Development Executive.
Mike brings a unique perspective to the team. With over two decades of experience in economic development across the United States and a strong focus on transatlantic investment, Mike’s career spans multiple sectors, including real estate, sports, life sciences, and international business. He has advised companies and institutions on growth strategy, cluster development, and global market entry, especially in highly regulated industries like medtech.
Now, as part of the MedQAIR team, he’s drawing on this rich background to help expand our presence in key US markets and open new doors for medical device companies navigating complex EU and US regulatory landscapes.
In this interview, Mike shares insights from his career, what drew him to MedQAIR, and why he believes the company’s forward-looking approach, together with platforms like MDIS, is exactly what the industry needs right now.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your professional journey so far?
I have been engaged in several industries throughout my career, from commercial real estate to sports and entertainment to 20 years in economic development. I retired from full-time work in November 2024. I am now involved in business and economic development consulting.
2. What motivated you to start Graney LLC, and how has that shaped your approach to business development today?
I knew when I retired that I would need to do something to stay busy. I formed my LLC to be able to sign agreements with companies and people I like to work with.
3. You’ve had extensive experience in economic development and international business. How did that path lead you toward the medical device sector?
I started my economic development career in Massachusetts, the premier US state for life sciences, including medical devices. When I moved to Charleston, I saw the ingredients were in place to create a successful medical device cluster. That process is underway, albeit in the early stages. I enjoy trans-Atlantic business development. I bring an understanding of American and European business practices.
4. What drew you to MedQAIR specifically, and what stood out to you about the company’s mission or team?
I have known Willibrord Driessen for almost 20 years. He is a good friend. I met MedQAIR CEO Leon Doorn through Willibrord. I have been impressed by their capabilities going back to their Qserve days. I appreciate MedQAIR’s forward looking approach.
5. You’ve worked closely with European and American business communities. What opportunities do you see for transatlantic collaboration in the medtech sector?
The regulatory affairs side of the medical device industry is often misunderstood, even in the country where the firm starts. When you add in a different set of rules between the US and the EU, it becomes complicated to understand. Sometimes the concern is so daunting that firms forgo opportunities. Having regulatory support can save time and money and ease headaches for executives. There are growth opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. The US and EU markets are the largest and most sophisticated in the world.
6. As someone with deep experience in life sciences, what trends or challenges are you currently observing in the medical device and diagnostics landscape?
There are significant changes in the regulatory landscape at the FDA and with EU regulators. That highlights the importance of MedQAIR. Access to capital has been under duress, even though the US market has the deepest and most liquid pools of capital in the world. The unsettled tariff regime has created uncertainty and delayed potential investment. I think that will eventually bounce back, but not until executives are confident that they are dealing with a stable situation.
7. How do you see your business development expertise supporting MedQAIR’s expansion, especially as the team grows its regulatory services and digital platforms like MDIS?
I have worked with dozens of medical device companies on both sides of the Atlantic. I also know numerous economic development and cluster officials and site selection consultants. These direct and indirect contacts provide a strong set of potential customers.
8. You’ve built strong networks in aerospace, automotive, and life sciences. How do you plan to leverage that experience at MedQAIR?
The clearest direction is from my work with life science companies. I find companies in other sectors, particularly aerospace, often have some level of interest in adding medical device products to their portfolios. I think this will grow as global trade shifts and becomes more localized.
9. What’s one project, initiative, or opportunity you’re particularly excited to pursue in your early days at MedQAIR?
I want to make sure MedQAIR is known as a quality partner in the US, particularly in the important Boston market, but also in Charleston and other key markets.
10. Outside of work, what keeps you curious or inspired these days?
One of the reasons I have been successful in international business is that I have a keen interest in geopolitical affairs and global business. Since I am semi-retired, I have more time to look in depth at global issues. To say the least, there are many challenging situations out there. I look forward to the opportunity to travel to Europe, seeing places I have never seen and also returning to some of my favorite cities like Amsterdam.
11. MDIS is MedQAIR’s new cloud-based platform for post-market medical device compliance. From your conversations with industry leaders, how do you think a tool like MDIS changes the game for global manufacturers entering the EU market?
MedQAIR is ahead of the curve with its MDIS platform. There is a great opportunity to stimulate company growth. MDIS reinforces my comment earlier that MedQAIR is a forward-looking firm.
Final Thoughts
Mike’s global lens, practical insights, and deep network across the life sciences ecosystem make him a valuable addition to the MedQAIR team. As we continue to grow our services and bring innovative tools like MDIS to the market, his expertise will play a key role in helping medical device companies unlock opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Whether you’re a US-based manufacturer exploring EU market entry or a European firm navigating FDA pathways, Mike is here to connect the dots and help ensure that compliance becomes a strategic advantage, not a roadblock.
Interested in exploring how MedQAIR can support your market access journey? Schedule a call with our team.
