Leadership Team
Doug Francis, President / Chief Executive Officer
With 25+ years in medical device manufacturing and distribution, Doug is a proven leader in building and scaling healthcare businesses. Before founding Rhythm Healthcare in 2020, he helped grow a medical device company into a global market leader through acquisitions, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation. At Rhythm, he has driven rapid growth by delivering affordable, high-quality respiratory products to HME providers nationwide. Doug brings extensive experience with private equity, boards, and M&A, and is recognized for results-driven leadership, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to long-term value creation.
Mitch Yoel, Chief Operating Officer
Mitch joined Rhythm Healthcare in February 2024 as COO and leads the company’s day-to-day operations, overseeing operations, supply chain, customer experience, marketing, technology, and M&A strategy, including expansion into EMEA. Previously, he served as CEO of Journey Health & Lifestyle and spent 12 years at Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare as SVP of Global Commercial Operations. A growth-focused, servant leader, Mitch is passionate about helping teams excel as Rhythm continues disrupting the home oxygen space.
Vanessa Saltmarsh, Chief Commercial Officer
Dynamic commercial leader with 20+ years of progressive sales and leadership experience in the home healthcare industry. Known for building high-performing teams, driving strategic growth, and creating customer-centric solutions, I bring clarity and focus to every initiative. Whether developing programs, coaching talent, or leading market expansion, I operate with intention, grit, and a growth mindset. At my core, I believe leadership is service and great teams are the key to lasting results.
Shash Sharma, Chief Financial Officer
Strategic finance executive with 15+ years of experience across growth equity, private equity, and high-growth companies. Proven track record in driving financial strategy, M&A, capital allocation, IPO readiness, and value creation. Led significant transformation initiatives, systems implementation, and performance improvement. Passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering business ecosystems that create meaningful impact in our communities. Frequent industry panelist recognized for expertise in strategic finance and delivering shareholder and LP value.
Sony John, Chief People Officer
People Operations leader with 15+ years of global experience, she has shaped workplaces across healthcare, legal, construction, and infrastructure engineering. Known for building and scaling People teams in fast-growing organizations, she specializes in high-performance culture, organizational design, leadership development, and pay-for-performance strategies. With deep expertise in union labor relations, employment litigation and international workforce planning, she is passionate about unlocking employee potential and creating environments where people thrive and organizations achieve lasting success.