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AdvaMed named Kevin Lobo, CEO of Stryker, Chairman of the association’s Board of Directors. Lobo has been a member of the AdvaMed Board of Directors since 2012 and a member of the AdvaMed Board of Directors Executive Committee since 2014.
As CEO of Stryker and now chairman of the AdvaMed Board, Lobo is in a position to positively influence advances in the medtech industry.
“The medtech ecosystem has never been more vibrant than it is today, with innovators delivering new treatments and cures at a rapid pace,” Lobo said in a statement announcing his chairmanship. “AdvaMed plays a critical role in nurturing that ecosystem, and I’m excited to spearhead those efforts as chair.”
During his two-year chairmanship with AdvaMed, Lobo plans to focus on the following initiatives:
- Increase engagement with patient advocacy
- Reinforce the positive impact of the medical technology industry to patients and other stakeholders
- Develop a more consistent, transparent and predictable pathway to approval and reimbursement for emerging medical technologies
- Promote diversity and inclusion within the medical industry
These initiatives are reminiscent of Lobo’s leadership approach. Stryker, the third-largest orthopedic company by our estimates and the fastest growing among its competitors, has largely been ahead of technology trends like additive manufacturing and robotics, and has experienced success in advocating to surgeons and patients to use such technologies. Additionally, Stryker is often among lists ranking the best places to work. Its recent entry on Forbes’ list noted the company’s diversity, with 26% of employees being a minority race.
According to Scott Whitaker, President and CEO of AdvaMed, Lobo is a proven leader in the medtech industry as well as within AdvaMed.
“During his time on the AdvaMed Board of Directors, he’s translated his passion for this industry into tangible results for our companies, their customers and the patients they serve,” Whitaker said. “His leadership skills will benefit AdvaMed and this industry tremendously, and I look forward to working with him more closely in the coming years.”
Prior to being named Chairman of the Board, Lobo served as chair of AdvaMed’s Membership and Business Development Committee, helping drive membership growth nearly 10%. He also increased membership retention up to 96%over the course of his tenure. From 2015 to 2017, he chaired the association’s International Committee; he also currently chairs AdvaMed’s Industry Communications Committee.
