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Billionaire Profile
Reinhold Schmieding
Global Rank
#626

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Reinhold Schmieding

CEO, Arthrex
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$6.1B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Medical devices
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
US

Biography

Reinhold Schmieding is a US-based billionaire businessman, best known as the founder and CEO of Arthrex, a leading medical device company specializing in orthopedic surgical tools. Born in Michigan to German immigrant parents, Schmieding's career began with a focus on physiology and business, leading him to pioneer innovative surgical instruments. Arthrex has grown to employ thousands globally, with over 13,000 products, cementing Schmieding's source of wealth in the healthcare industry and significantly impacting modern surgical techniques. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $6.1 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Reinhold D. Schmieding, born in Michigan in 1955/1956, is the son of German immigrants. His father was a dentist. He studied at Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology, with minors in business and German.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Schmieding worked in orthopedic implants in Germany. In 1981, he founded Arthroscopy Excision Instruments Inc. with $60,000 from his savings, which was later renamed Arthrex Inc.. Arthrex, headquartered in Naples, Florida, distributes products to over 90 countries and has expanded to over 13,000 products. The company has subsidiaries throughout Europe. Schmieding is known for his hard-nosed business tactics.

Key Business Strategies

Schmieding's approach involved combining hard-nosed business tactics with a Euro-style workplace to dominate the arthroscopic surgical instrument market. He focused on innovation, developing numerous surgical tools and techniques, and maintained a surgeon-centric philosophy.

Philanthropy

Schmieding is known for his philanthropy and has donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations.

Career Milestones

1981

Founded Arthroscopy Excision Instruments Inc.

Founded Arthrex Inc., a medical device company focusing on arthroscopic surgery.

1991

Moved Arthrex Headquarters to Naples, Florida

Relocated Arthrex headquarters, facilitating expansion and growth.

2018

Honorary Doctorate

Received an honorary doctorate from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

General Philanthropy

Various Charitable Organizations

Millions

Donated to multiple charitable organizations.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Committed to developing new surgical tools and techniques.

Surgeon-Centric Approach

Focusing on the needs and feedback of the surgical community.