Stryker announces interim CEO and chairman

The board of directors of Stryker Corporation announced that Stephen MacMillan, the president, chairman and chief executive officer, has resigned for family reasons, effective immediately. Curt Hartman, vice president and chief financial officer, was named interim chief executive officer, and William Parfet, lead independent director, is the non-executive chairman.

“The board is thankful for Steve’s leadership over the past 9 years as the company has continued to grow in the midst of a difficult economic period,” Parfet stated in a company press release. “We support his decision to step down for family reasons and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

“It has been an enormous privilege to have led Stryker during this period of important change and growth,” MacMillan stated in the release. “As I look ahead to the next chapter in my life, I remain confident that the team will continue to execute Stryker's strategy with distinction and that the company will enjoy continued success in the future.”

The board is searching for a permanent successor for MacMillan and will consider both internal and external candidates, according to the release.