Olympus Corporation confirmed that Bob White officially began his tenure as Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2025, marking the start of a new chapter for the global medical technology company. White, formerly Executive Vice President and President of Medtronic’s Medical Surgical Portfolio, succeeds Yasuo Takeuchi, who continues to serve as Director and Representative Executive Officer during the transition.
White’s appointment reflects Olympus’s commitment to strengthening its global leadership in the medical device industry. His extensive experience across strategic, operational, and leadership roles in healthcare technology is expected to bolster Olympus’s long-term vision, which centers on growth through innovation and international expansion.
Over a three-decade career, White has held senior leadership positions at several major healthcare organizations, including GE Healthcare, IBM, Covidien, and most notably, Medtronic. At Medtronic, he was instrumental in advancing the company’s surgical and endoscopic product lines, overseeing one of the firm’s largest and most diverse portfolios. His leadership focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies and improving clinical outcomes, a mission that aligns closely with Olympus’s strategic direction.
White’s appointment was the result of a comprehensive international executive search initiated by Olympus’s Nominating Committee in November 2024. The process included support from an external search firm and input from an advisory committee, signaling Olympus’s focus on securing a transformative leader to steer the company into its next growth phase.
“Bob’s vast experience and leadership acumen make him the ideal person to lead Olympus during a period of strategic importance,” said Yasuo Takeuchi. “He brings a deep understanding of the medical technology landscape and is well-positioned to execute our strategy for sustained global growth.”
Olympus has been undergoing significant transformation in recent years, shifting its focus toward becoming a fully integrated medtech company. The transition began in earnest in 2021 with the sale of its legacy camera division, followed by a series of acquisitions and partnerships aimed at expanding its presence in endoscopy, minimally invasive surgery, and digital healthcare.
White’s appointment also comes as Olympus prepares for a key General Meeting of Shareholders later this month, where his formal election to the Board of Directors is expected to be confirmed. In the meantime, he will work closely with the current executive team to ensure alignment on strategic priorities and operational goals.
Commenting on his new role, White expressed enthusiasm about leading Olympus during a pivotal moment in the company’s history. “Olympus is an iconic company with a legacy of innovation and a strong commitment to improving patient lives,” he said. “I am honored to join this mission and look forward to working with the global team to expand our impact in the medical technology space.”
Olympus’s medical business, which includes products for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and surgical applications, accounts for the vast majority of the company’s revenue. The firm has made recent investments in AI-assisted diagnostics, robotic surgery platforms, and next-generation endoscopy devices, positioning itself as a key player in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving global market.
Industry analysts view White’s appointment as a sign that Olympus intends to accelerate its transformation into a top-tier global medtech player. His leadership will likely influence the company’s approach to innovation, talent development, and operational execution, particularly in key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
As Olympus continues to prioritize its core mission of making people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling, Bob White’s leadership marks a new chapter in its journey to redefine healthcare standards through technology and global collaboration.
