John Rogers Named CFO of Medtech Leader Baxter International

From October 2026, incoming CFO John Rogers will lead a new chapter in Baxter International’s finance leadership.

John succeeds Joel Grade, who left the CFO role in April 2026, with Anita Zielinski serving as interim CFO during the search for Joel’s successor. 

Baxter is a leading global medical technology company providing essential healthcare products, therapies and digital health solutions, with a portfolio spanning intravenous and infusion systems, injectable pharmaceuticals, surgical technologies, patient monitoring, smart beds and respiratory care. 

Welcoming John to the role on LinkedIn, Andrew Hider, CEO and President of Baxter, writes, “John brings deep global finance and transformation experience to the role...As I shared with our employees this morning, we are so excited for John to join the Baxter team not only because of his decades of expertise, but also for the way he approaches leadership. 

“He is thoughtful, collaborative and focused on building strong teams that can deliver results. John will be a great addition as we continue our work to stabilise the business, strengthen the balance sheet, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.”

Deep finance experience

John joins Baxter from Smith+Nephew, where he has served as CFO since 2024, having joined as CFO-designate in 2023. 

Previously, he was CFO of WPP, leading the creative services company’s global transformation programme. He also held several senior leadership roles at J Sainsbury, including CEO of Sainsbury’s Argos and CFO of Sainsbury’s. 

John also possesses public-company board experience, having served as an independent director and audit committee chair at Grab Holdings and previously at Travis Perkins.

“I am honored to join Baxter, a company with a nearly century-long history, a powerful Mission to Save and Sustain Lives and an essential role across healthcare,” says John.

 “Baxter’s focus on continuous improvement, strengthening its balance sheet and driving enhanced performance is closely aligned with my experience leading global finance organisations and supporting large-scale business transformation.”

Healthcare CFO changes

John’s appointment at Baxter is the latest in a growing swathe of recent CFO appointments at the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry’s largest players.

On 18 August 2026, GE HealthCare announced William Grogan would begin as the company’s new CFO effective 14 September 2026. 

It marks the culmination of a process initiated in July 2026 following the announcement that its CFO Jay Saccaro would be stepping down, with long-standing GE finance executive George Newcomb appointed interim CFO while the company searched for a permanent successor.  

“I’m honored to join GE HealthCare as Chief Financial Officer and grateful to Peter J Arduini [GE Healthcare CEO] and the leadership team for the opportunity,” writes William on LinkedIn.

“GE HealthCare’s purpose of creating a world where healthcare has no limits is deeply compelling, and I’m excited to be part of a company with such a strong legacy, global reach and a clear commitment to advancing precision care and improving outcomes for patients around the world.”

On 17 August, health insurer Centene announced its own shift in financial leadership. 

Current CFO Drew Asher, who has led the business’ financial function since 2021, will step down in December 2026.

Drew’s successor is set to be Chris Neczypor, who will join the business in September 2026 and work alongside Drew before assuming the Executive Vice President and CFO position on 1 January 2027.  

Pfizer’s CFO Dave Denton also announced in June 2026 that he would be leaving the company, while similar changes to financial leadership have been announced at Amgen in recent months.

A shifting healthcare finance landscape

The succession of CFO changes at major healthcare companies highlights the increasingly strategic role of financial leadership across the sector.

With healthcare businesses facing pressure to control costs, allocate capital towards growth opportunities and navigate continued transformation, CFOs are increasingly being tasked with responsibilities extending beyond financial reporting and oversight.

Rogers’ background in transformation-led organisations, combined with his experience across healthcare, retail and professional services, positions him to play a significant role in Baxter’s next phase.

His appointment also reflects a broader trend among healthcare companies to bring in finance leaders with experience of large-scale transformation as they seek to improve efficiency, strengthen balance sheets and adapt their businesses to changing market conditions.