Taking the Lead 3736

Originally Published MX May/June 2004

COVERY STORY

Stryker Corp. chairman and CEO John W. Brown on innovation—in product development, marketing, and industry advocacy.

Interview by Steve Halasey

A diversified medical device giant and respected leader in the global orthopedic implants market, Stryker Corp. (Kalamazoo, MI) has enjoyed a long, successful run. The company has seen steady annual net earnings growth of more than 20% for the past two decades. Recent economic conditions have not hampered Stryker's progress, and prospects are bright. A key factor in this stellar, and widely admired, record of business success has been the long tenure of John W. Brown as CEO and chairman of the board.