Stryker CEO Change: Spencer Stiles to Replace Kevin Lobo

After 14 years at Stryker's helm, during which time company revenue tripled, Kevin Lobo is stepping down as CEO and will begin his transition to the Executive Chair position.

Spencer Stiles, who has spent nearly three decades at the US medtech firm, will replace Kevin. Most recently, Spencer was the company's COO, a position he only assumed in January 2026.

Stryker's CEO succession process is already underway but will formally be completed on 1 January 2027.

On LinkedIn following the announcement, Spencer writes: “It is a tremendous privilege to lead a company with such a rich history, exceptional culture, and purpose-driven mission. I am grateful to Kevin and our Board for their trust and confidence, and I am energised by the opportunity and responsibility to build on the strong foundation that has made Stryker a global leader in medical technology.  

“Throughout my career at Stryker, I have seen firsthand what sets our company apart: our talented people, our unwavering commitment to customers and our relentless focus on innovation.”

Stryker is a global medtech company based in Michigan specialising in Orthopaedics, MedSurg and Neurotechnology. Its portfolio spans surgical equipment, joint replacement, trauma, neurovascular and emergency care technologies, serving healthcare providers across 61 countries.

A veteran Stryker

During his almost 30 years at Stryker, Spencer has held roles across the business, beginning his career in sales and marketing before moving into leadership and management positions within the company’s Endoscopy and Communications departments.

He then held a string of leadership positions across the firm’s Spine, Instruments, Neurotechnology and Orthopaedics functions, before becoming COO at the start of 2026.

As COO, Spencer oversaw Stryker’s US$25bn portfolio of global businesses, as well as its enterprise and M&A strategy.

“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,” says Sheri McCoy, Lead Independent Director of Stryker’s Board of Directors.

A 14-year legacy

Kevin, meanwhile, departs the CEO position following, in the company’s words, a “transformative” 14-year tenure.

During his time as CEO, Kevin oversaw a significant expansion of Stryker’s portfolio and global footprint, with annual net sales increasing from US$8.7bn in 2012 to more than US$26bn in 2026. 

The company completed more than 60 acquisitions under his leadership, including Inari Medical in 2025 and, consequentially, Mako Surgical back in 2013, whose robotic-arm-assisted technology strengthened Stryker’s position in orthopaedics by combining robotics with its joint-reconstruction expertise.

Kevin also played a central role in shaping Stryker’s culture and operating model, including its mission to "make healthcare better."

The outgoing CEO also took to LinkedIn following the announcement. “Serving as CEO of Stryker for the past 14 years has been an incredible honour,” he writes. 

“Over that time, we've grown into one of the most diversified leaders in medtech while remaining grounded in the mission and values that make Stryker special. I'm very proud of what our teams have accomplished together and the impact we've had on our customers and the patients they serve.  

“I have worked closely with Spencer Stiles for many years and am confident he is the right leader to carry Stryker’s strategy forward and drive the company’s continued success.”

What's next for Stryker?   

With Spencer Stiles taking the CEO role, Stryker enters its next chapter from a position of considerable strength and scale, with the incoming CEO inheriting a diversified portfolio spanning Orthopaedics, MedSurg and Neurotechnology.

The company’s recent activity points towards a continued focus on technology-led growth, with robotics, digital surgery, surgical planning and connected medical devices increasingly embedded across its portfolio.

Stryker has continued to build on the success of its Mako robotic platform, while more recent developments include its SportSuite Vision surgical application for Apple Vision Pro and digital planning technologies such as Prophecy. The company has also continued to expand through acquisitions, adding technologies across areas including vascular and sports medicine.

Stryker - key partners

Siemens Healthineers

CEO: Bernd Montag | HQ: Erlangen, Germany

Stryker and Siemens Healthineers announced a strategic partnership in 2025 to develop a robotic system for neurovascular procedures. The collaboration combines Siemens Healthineers’ expertise in robotics and image-guided therapy with Stryker’s neurovascular technologies, targeting procedures including stroke and aneurysm treatment. The partnership highlights Stryker’s growing focus on robotics beyond orthopaedic surgery.

care.ai

CEO: Chakri Toleti | HQ: Orlando, Florida

Stryker acquired care.ai in 2024, adding AI-assisted virtual care workflows, smart-room technology and ambient intelligence to its portfolio. The technology complements Stryker’s Vocera platform and connected medical devices, supporting its strategy to create more integrated digital healthcare environments. The acquisition has subsequently become part of Stryker’s Smart Care and SmartHospital offering.

Apple

CEO: John Ternus | HQ: Cupertino, California

Apple and Stryker represent an interesting convergence of consumer technology and medical technology. In 2026, Stryker introduced SportSuite Vision, an FDA-authorised surgical application for Apple Vision Pro, extending immersive technology into the operating room. The development illustrates Stryker’s wider push to connect surgical technology, software and digital experiences.