Three Businesses, Two Continents, One Focus 3739

Originally Published MX January/February 2005

COVER STORY

Interview by Steve Halasey

Generally speaking, institutions are like people: they become less limber with age. But don't tell that to Sir Christopher O'Donnell, CEO of Smith & Nephew plc (London), one of the world's oldest manufacturers of medical products. He's in the business of restoring people to activity—a talent that he has also brought to bear in keeping his 149-year-old company among the industry leaders in the fields of orthopedics, endoscopy, and wound management.

O'Donnell joined Smith & Nephew in 1988 as managing director of the company's medical division and was appointed to the board of directors in 1992. Since becoming CEO, in 1997, he has successfully restructured and revitalized the company, which is expected to report revenues of more than $2.4 billion for 2004.