Invacare Corp, Elyria, Ohio, has appointed Robert K. Gudbranson to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective April 1, 2008. In his new role, Gudbranson will be responsible for all aspects of Invacare’s finance, treasury, internal audit, investor relations, and information technology functions.

“We are extremely pleased to have Rob Gudbranson joining Invacare Corporation as chief financial officer,” said A. Malachi Mixon III, chairman and chief executive officer. “His extensive background in strategic planning and business development, as well as his previous financial experience with Invacare, will be instrumental in helping guide Invacare Corporation as we work toward our growth agenda for 2008 and beyond.”

Most recently, Gudbranson served as vice president of strategic planning and acquisitions for Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc, a $2 billion global manufacturer of welding, brazing, and soldering products located in Cleveland. Prior to joining Lincoln Electric, Gudbranson was the director of business development and investor relations at Invacare.

Gudbranson replaces Gregory C. Thompson who resigned as Invacare’s CFO in February 2008 to join Georgia Gulf Corporation Inc.