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Stryker has announced a leadership transition as part of its planned succession process, with Kevin Lobo set to become Executive Chair of the Board of Directors from January 1, 2027. Spencer Stiles, currently Stryker’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over as Chief Executive Officer and join the company’s Board of Directors on the same date.

Lobo has spent more than 15 years at Stryker, making a significant contribution to the company’s growth and development. 
He joined in 2011 as Group President, was appointed CEO in October 2012 and became Chair of the Board in July 2014. During his 14 years as CEO, he has overseen substantial expansion of Stryker’s product portfolio and international reach, tripling annual net sales from $8.7 billion in 2012 to more than $26 billion in 2026. 
Under his leadership, the company completed more than 60 acquisitions, including Mako, which brought together innovative robotic-arm-assisted technology and Stryker’s joint-reconstruction expertise, helping transform the orthopaedic industry. 

These achievements further established Stryker as a diversified global leader in medical technologies. Lobo also played a key role in shaping the company’s culture and reinforcing its mission to make healthcare better alongside its customers, while developing a specialised business operating model that has supported its distinctive performance and sustained growth.

“Serving as CEO of Stryker has been an incredible honor, and I am proud of all that our teams have accomplished together on behalf of our customers and the patients they serve,” said Lobo. “The Board and I have worked closely on a succession plan, and with our strong foundation in place, now is the right time for this leadership transition. Having worked alongside Spencer for many years, I have seen firsthand the qualities that define his leadership: his ability to set a clear direction, inspire people and translate strategy into strong execution. He understands what makes Stryker unique and has the judgment, experience and commitment to our mission and values to build on our momentum and lead the company forward. I look forward to working with Spencer to ensure a smooth transition and to continuing to support Stryker as Executive Chair of the Board.”

“I am honored to be named Stryker’s next CEO and grateful to the Board and Kevin for their trust in me,” said Stiles. “I have a deep appreciation for our people, our culture and the customer relationships that drive our innovation and growth. Kevin has built an extraordinary legacy and a strong foundation for the future, which I am excited to build upon as we continue executing our strategy, driving growth and advancing our mission to make healthcare better.”

Stiles brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering results during his nearly 30-year career at Stryker. Recognised for his strategic approach, focus on growth and commitment to people, he joined the company’s Endoscopy business in 1999 and has since held leadership positions across almost every area of the business, including Orthopaedics, MedSurg and Neurotechnology. Before taking up the role of President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2026, he was Group President of Orthopaedics, overseeing the Joint Replacement and Trauma & Extremities businesses, as well as the Digital, Robotics and Enabling Technologies organisation.

His responsibilities also included international regions and the company’s enterprise mergers and acquisitions strategy. Throughout his career, Stiles has overseen major portfolio developments, including the acquisition of Wright Medical, which strengthened Stryker’s global position in trauma and extremities, and the separation of its spinal implants business.

“This announcement is the culmination of a comprehensive, long-term succession planning process,” said Sheri McCoy, Lead Independent Director of Stryker’s Board of Directors. “Spencer is a proven leader with strategic perspective and the ability to unite teams around shared priorities. The Board is confident that he is the right leader to build upon Stryker’s momentum and guide the company’s next chapter. 

On behalf of the Board, I also want to recognize Kevin for his exceptional leadership and service over his tenure as CEO. Kevin has positioned Stryker to enter this transition from a place of strength. With a mission-driven culture, clear strategic direction and a strong leadership team, Stryker is poised to capture the significant opportunities ahead. We are fortunate that we will continue to benefit from his experience and perspectives as Executive Chair.”


© Stryker Corporation