Owens & Minor Appoints Dirk Benson as New Chief Commercial Officer in Major Leadership Move
Owens & Minor's Exciting New Chapter
In a significant development for the healthcare distribution sector, Owens & Minor has appointed Dirk Benson as the new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This strategic move reflects the company's commitment to advancing its commercial prowess in a rapidly evolving market. With an impressive track record in the industry, Benson brings over three decades of valuable experience to the role that will shape the company's commercial strategies.
A Leader in Healthcare
Dirk Benson's extensive background includes leadership roles at prominent organizations, including his most recent position as president of U.S. Distribution Business for Henry Schein. There, he spearheaded an enterprise-wide integration program aimed at optimizing both operational efficiency and customer experience. His tenure at Medline Industries, spanning 27 years, equipped him with a profound understanding of the healthcare supply chain, essential for his new role at Owens & Minor.
Christian Cook, chairman and interim CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Benson's appointment, emphasizing the alignment of his vision with Owens & Minor's commitment to enhancing partner relationships. Cook remarked, "Dirk embodies the kind of dynamic leadership that we aim to cultivate as we navigate this new chapter of our company's journey."
Benson understands the nuances of fostering lasting customer relationships in healthcare. Upon joining, he stated, "I have long respected Owens & Minor's unique approach to building and maintaining lasting customer relationships that enhance efficiency while respecting the individual needs of the healthcare partners they serve. I am eager to take Owens & Minor's dedication to the customer to the next level."
Reimagining Commercial Operations
The transition signals a pivotal moment for Owens & Minor, especially as the company integrates into the Platinum Equity portfolio. This shift, announced on December 31, 2025, marks a fresh chapter, evolving from its previous offering as Products Healthcare Services (PHS) while ensuring that it retains its identity and commitment to excellence.
Benson's primary responsibilities include overseeing the entire commercial sales organization, driving sales operations, and enhancing customer service teams across the United States. His leadership is expected to infuse fresh energy into the team while aligning with the company's mission to support healthcare delivery effectively and innovatively.
A Vision for the Future
Benson's appointment is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen Owens & Minor's executive team, a necessity as the healthcare landscape continues to change at an unprecedented pace. The infusion of Benson's experience could serve as a catalyst for transformative changes in how the company approaches its commercial initiatives.
In his own words, Benson aims to leverage Owens & Minor's existing strengths to enhance its market position. "My goal is to work alongside my new teammates to accelerate transformation in our commercial operations, ensuring we remain a resilient partner for our healthcare clients."
Conclusion
With Dirk Benson at the helm of its commercial operations, Owens & Minor is poised for an exciting future filled with opportunities for growth and innovation. The dedicated team at Owens & Minor, now under a new and experienced leader, looks forward to enhancing the healthcare experiences of the partners and communities they serve globally. The coming months will be critical in both Benson's new role and the company's continued evolution into a leading player in the healthcare supply chain. As they embrace this new chapter, the commitment to quality service and innovation remains as strong as ever.