Henry Schein CEO Stanley Bergman to Retire After 35-Year Tenure

Stanley Bergman, the long-standing CEO of Henry Schein, has announced his retirement after 45 years with the company, including 35 years at its helm. The decision marks the end of an era for the medical, surgical, and dental supply giant, which has seen exponential growth under Bergman's leadership.

Bergman's Legacy of Growth and Transformation

Since taking the reins as CEO in 1989, Bergman has overseen a remarkable period of expansion for Henry Schein. The company's annual revenues have surged from $225 million to an impressive $12.7 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 17.5%. This growth has been accompanied by a significant increase in market capitalization, rising from $290 million at the time of the company's 1995 IPO to nearly $9 billion today.

Under Bergman's guidance, Henry Schein has transformed from a primarily mail-order dental supply business into a diversified international distributor serving multiple medical specialties. The company has also expanded into the development of dental practice management software, positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare and technology.

Recent Challenges and Strategic Initiatives

Bergman's tenure has not been without its challenges, particularly in recent years. In 2023, Henry Schein faced a significant setback when a ransomware attack exposed the personal health information of over 166,000 individuals and disrupted manufacturing and distribution systems. The incident resulted in a sales reduction of $350 million to $400 million.

Despite these obstacles, Bergman has continued to steer the company towards innovation and growth. The ongoing BOLD+1 strategic plan aims to embrace digital technologies and refocus commercial efforts on high-margin businesses. This initiative has been bolstered by a recent $250 million investment from KKR, which acquired approximately 12% of Henry Schein's shares and two board seats in May 2025.

Transition and Future Outlook

While stepping down as CEO, Bergman will retain his position as chairman of the board. He expressed confidence in the company's future, citing the progress made in advancing the BOLD+1 strategic plan and the strong management team in place.

"With the progress made advancing our BOLD+1 strategic plan and with strong management in place, it is the right time for me to retire at the end of the year," Bergman stated. He added, "I look forward to working with the Board to identify my successor and effect a smooth transition."

As Henry Schein prepares for this significant leadership change, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation in the healthcare distribution and technology sectors. The incoming CEO will inherit a company with a strong market position and a clear strategic vision for the future.