Early Life and Career
John Brown, born in 1934, is a prominent figure in the medical equipment industry. He took over Stryker Corp. after the death of the previous CEO, and transformed the small medical-instruments company into a leading manufacturer. Before joining Stryker, Brown held a position at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he headed the personnel department. He studied chemical engineering in college.
Rise to Success
Under John Brown's leadership, Stryker experienced remarkable growth. He spearheaded the IPO of Stryker in 1979, which greatly contributed to the company's financial success. He also broadened Stryker's product lines and implemented an effective decentralized management approach. He served as the President, CEO, and Chairman of the board for 32 years. During his tenure, Stryker's revenues climbed from $17 million to $6.7 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Brown's strategic decisions were instrumental in Stryker's expansion, including entering the peripheral vascular segment. His business acumen helped make Stryker a dominant manufacturer. He focused on building a strong team and expanding product lines through strategic acquisitions and internal development.
Philanthropy
Brown has focused his philanthropy on education.
