๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐จ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ BD
From 1897, when it was founded, to today where it is one of the worldโs largest medical technology companies with over 70,000 employees, here is a look at CEOs of BD from its inception to today:
1. Maxwell Becton & Fairleigh Dickinson (1897โ1948)
In 1895, Becton co-founded Randall and Becton, a medical thermometer company. In 1897, while on a sales trip, Becton met Dickinson, who was a paper salesman, in a train station restaurant in Texas. The two quickly became close friends. Shortly after they decided to become partners. After buying out Randall, the two opened a small medical supply business in NY to sell thermometers and syringes, which later became Becton Dickinson (BD). They built a manufacturing plant in Rutherford and expanded their portfolio to needles, stethoscopes, cotton bandages, and other instruments for surgery, dentistry, and veterinary. Together they laid the foundation for BD. They also provided medical instruments to the US Army during both World Wars.
2. Henry Becton & Fairleigh Dickinson Jr. (1948โ1974)
In 1948, the founderโs sons took over management of the company. Together they continued the companyโs expansion into new products and regions, including Europe and Asia. During their time the company also went public in 1962.
3. Wesley Howe (1974โ1989)
Wesley joined BD as a plant layout engineer in 1949. He rose through its ranks and became the first nonfamily CEO in 1974 after the founders and their sons ran it for over 70 years. Wesley transformed BD into a global company. During his tenure BDโs revenue tenfold. He also blocked a hostile takeover attempt in 1978 by Sun Oil.
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4. Raymond Gilmartin (1989โ1994)
Raymond expanded BDโs presence in emerging markets. During his tenure, BD revenue reached over $3B. Later he became CEO of Merck.
5. Clateo Castellini (1994โ2000)
Clateo focused on streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving profitability. He also divested some of the low-margin businesses like surgical gloves. During his tenure BDโs revenue reached $5B.
6. Edward Ludwig (2000โ2011)
Edward, who spent 25 years at BD, led the company through a period of rapid global expansion, including acquisitions that bolstered the companyโs capabilities in diagnostics and biosciences. During his tenure BDโs revenue reached over $7B.
7. Vincent Forlenza (2011โ2020)
Vincent continued the companyโs focus on innovation and global expansion. He also oversaw two major acquisitions namely CareFusion another American medical supply provider, and CR Bard which significantly expanded BDโs opportunities in the high-growth clinical segment. Under his leadership, BDโs revenue reached $16B.
8. Tom Polen (2020-present)
Tom, who was COO, took over as CEO in 2020. He led BD through the pandemic by enhancing the companyโs capabilities in diagnostic testing and healthcare delivery. Tom also oversaw multiple tuck-in acquisitions. Under his leadership, BDโs revenue grew to almost $20B.
