It was breaking news when I first interviewed BodyMedia’s new CEO Christine Robins via phone this past September on TechVibe Radio 1360 AM. I was pretty stoked to learn about her background as CEO of Philips Oral Healthcare/Vice President of Philips Electronics and the massive skill set that she was bringing to her new gig at BodyMedia.

As a quick side note, Robins led Philips’ global oral care business, overseeing the Sonicare® line of power toothbrushes, including the launch of the fourth generation of that product in 2007. During her tenure, the oral care business realized market share growth, annual double digit sales growth and leading profit levels.

So, I couldn’t wait for an in-person follow-up interview to appear right here in TEQ. Meeting Robins, I found an executive with down-to-earth confidence and a bright smile that filled up an empty conference room overlooking a busy Smithfield St. You’d assume the smile makes perfect sense with her old job, and it will work wonders opening doors and building relationships at her new job.

Robins is now at the helm of a 10-year-old company that many believe is on the cusp of making some serious inroads into the weight loss/health monitoring/fitness industries. BodyMedia is considered the pioneer in developing wearable body monitoring systems designed to help people lose weight, improve performance and live a healthier lifestyle. Its patented multi-sensor technology has been adapted for a variety of markets – consumers, health and fitness clubs, corporate wellness programs and healthcare practitioners. Its SenseWear, GoWear® Fit, and bodybugg products monitor calorie expenditure, amount of physical activity, and number of steps taken. GoWear Fit now also allows users to monitor their sleep efficiency as well.

I was curious what attracted Robins to BodyMedia enough to leave her position all the way back in Seattle. She quickly summed it up into four points, noting that she was looking for a company with a product that has a meaningful impact on customers’ lives and a product that has both consumer and professional markets. For point three, she noted that she wanted to be part of a more independent, free-standing organization and, lastly, she wanted a culture that was filled with passion and ready to change. BodyMedia scored four out of four.

Robins brings to BodyMedia a wealth of experience in global business and brand management, as well as a keen understanding of marketing and product innovation.

“I’m really all about building brand equity that means something to consumers,” Robins admits. “I was attracted to the company because it offers me the chance to leverage my marketing experience in both the consumer and professional markets, and be part of a business that affects positive change in consumers’ lives. That personal impact is important to me.”

Chris Robins graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration - Marketing and Finance, and earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration from Marquette University.