Stryker Promotes Spencer Stiles to President and COO, Strengthening Leadership Team

Stryker, a leading medical technology company, has announced a significant change in its executive leadership. Spencer Stiles, a 27-year veteran of the company, has been promoted to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This move represents a strategic shift in Stryker's top management and signals the company's focus on leveraging internal talent for key leadership roles.

Stiles' Ascension and Responsibilities

Spencer Stiles' promotion comes after a long and successful career within Stryker. In his new role, Stiles will be responsible for overseeing Stryker's global business operations, strategy development, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities. This appointment places him in a pivotal position to drive the company's growth and innovation initiatives.

Stiles began his journey with Stryker in the endoscopy business and has since held various leadership positions across the company's divisions. Most recently, he served as the Group President of Orthopedics and Spine, where he oversaw a segment that generated $9.1 billion in sales in the previous year, accounting for approximately 40% of Stryker's total revenue.

Impact on Stryker's Business Strategy

The promotion of Stiles to the C-suite is expected to have a significant impact on Stryker's business strategy. His extensive experience within the company, particularly in leading the orthopedics business and spearheading M&A activities, positions him well to guide Stryker's future growth initiatives.

Under Stiles' leadership, Stryker has already made notable strides in expanding its market presence. A key example is the recent $4.9 billion acquisition of Inari Medical in February, which Stiles played a crucial role in orchestrating. This strategic move demonstrates Stryker's commitment to expanding its portfolio and strengthening its position in the medical technology sector.

Organizational Changes and Industry Involvement

As part of the leadership transition, Stryker is also promoting from within to fill the vacancy left by Stiles in the orthopedics division. Dylan Crotty, another long-standing employee currently serving as the president of instruments, will be elevated to the position of Group President of Orthopedics.

Beyond his role at Stryker, Stiles is actively involved in shaping the broader medical device industry. He serves on the board of the Medical Device Manufacturing Association, an industry lobbying group, further cementing Stryker's influence and engagement with sector-wide policies and initiatives.