Apple Watch Series 9 and newer are sold with a deactivated blood oxygen sensor
Former Masimo CEO Joe Kiani may have won the war against Apple, but he has resigned after losing a fight with a hedge fund.
After spending over $100 million and betting the company he founded on principle alone, Joe Kiani is out at Masimo. However, the reason he has resigned as CEO has nothing to do with Apple or a patent dispute.
Reuters has the story, stating that Kiani stepped down after being removed from Masimo’s board by shareholders. The move came after a proxy battle with hedge fund Politan Capital Management.
The battle ensued after a $1 billion acquisition of Sound United, which turned Politan to push Kiani out. Politan nominated key board members, one of whom is now interim CEO, Michelle Brennan.
Politan has a 9% stake in Masimo. Kiani had previously said he’d quit as CEO and sell his shares if investors replaced him with a Politan nominee.
About the Apple Watch
On the surface, none of this has anything to do with Apple, kind of. Kiani had what seemed like a personal vendetta with Apple and was happy to battle the company tooth and nail over the Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor patent.
The Apple Watch was temporarily banned from sale until Apple turned off the sensor via software. Appeals are underway, and now with Kiani gone, there’s a much better chance of Apple paying a settlement.
Previously, Kiani said he’d happily accept a settlement if Apple bothered to make a call. So it isn’t clear if removing Kiani from the equation will change anything, as Apple could double down and push for dismissal.
