St. Jude, Medtronic fight over exec. contract

Two of Minnesota's most prominent medical technology firms are in a legal battle over a top executive.

Joseph McCullough retired from St. Jude Medical as a group president in May and went to work for Medtronic this month. St. Jude says McCullough had "complete and unfettered" access to its most sensitive and confidential information about global operations and long-term strategic plans.

St. Jude sued McCullough saying he'd signed a non-compete agreement. Spokeswoman Angela Craig said the agreement prevents McCullough from joining Medtronic until at least one year has passed.

"Mr. McCullough's employment with a competitor is a direct violation of the non-compete agreement he signed while at St. Jude Medical," Craig said. "It is unfortunate that after a long and successful career with St. Jude Medical we are forced to compel Mr. McCullough through legal means to honor his contract with us."

Medtronic said it crafted McCullough's job with the company to address any legitimate concerns St. Jude could have.

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