Zimmer Biomet CEO Hanson to Lead 3M’s New Healthcare Business

3M has appointed Bryan C. Hanson CEO of the independent healthcare company that will be spun off from 3M. President and CEO of Zimmer Biomet since 2017 and chairman since 2021, Hanson will join 3M on Sept. 1.

Hanson is a proven executive with a track record of successfully leading, growing, and transforming global medical device businesses to achieve greater innovation, commercial success, and driving value for customers, patients, and shareholders, said 3M in the Aug. 22 announcement.

3M's Health Care Business Group, with $8.4 billion in sales in 2022, is a diversified healthcare technology company with global capabilities and a portfolio of brands in end market segments such as wound care, oral care, health care IT, and biopharma filtration.

3M announced in July 2022 that it would spin off its healthcare business, with the so-called New 3M remaining a material science company serving customers across a range of industrial and consumer end markets.

"I am honored and excited to join 3M's Health Care Business Group at such an important time in its evolution," said Hanson. "I have a deep respect and admiration for what 3M has built in healthcare – strong brands, quality products, commercial excellence, and customer-driven innovation. I look forward to working with the team to more deeply understand and realize the potential of our business as we accelerate our path forward, and build on a legacy of trusted leadership and medical innovation."

Prior to joining Zimmer Biomet, Hanson was executive vice president and president of Medtronic's Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, where he oversaw and provided strategic direction to an approximately $9 billion business. Before that, he served in a number of executive roles of increasing responsibility at Covidien. In 2013, he was named group president of Covidien's Medical Devices business. In 2011, as Surgical Solutions Group president, Hanson transformed two of Covidien's largest divisions — Energy-based Devices and Surgical Devices — into one global business unit. 

Hanson serves on the board of directors of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. He also serves on the board of the Advanced Medical Technology Association, is a member of its International Board Committee, and chairs the China subcommittee. He is a director emeritus of the Americares board of directors, an emergency response and global health organization committed to saving lives and building healthier futures for people in crisis.

3M also announced this week that healthcare industry veteran Carrie Cox will serve as the chairman of the board of directors of the new company and that Monish Patolawala has been named 3M president and chief financial officer, effective Sept. 1.