BD Welcomes Gary Sorsher as New Chief Quality Officer as Jeff Silvestri Plans Retirement

BD’s Leadership Transition: A New Era in Quality Management

In a strategic move reflecting its commitment to quality and innovation, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a prominent player in the global medical technology landscape, has welcomed Gary Sorsher as its new executive vice president and chief quality officer. This appointment, announced on August 17, 2026, will be effective from September 8, marking a significant transition in the company's leadership team as Jeff Silvestri, the senior vice president and global head of quality, prepares for retirement after an impressive tenure of over 25 years.

Gary Sorsher is no stranger to the medical technology sector, boasting more than three decades of experience leading quality organizations at prestigious MedTech companies. His most recent role as chief quality officer at Edwards Lifesciences involved spearheading quality excellence and fostering innovation and operational performance across a complex global business environment. Sorsher's career has been characterized by his ability to build and guide high-performing quality teams, strengthen quality systems, and support organizational growth while prioritizing product quality, reliability, and patient safety.

Tom Polen, BD's chairman, CEO, and president, expressed confidence in Sorsher's experience and his practical approach to continuous improvement, emphasizing the critical role that quality plays in earning the trust of customers and patients who depend on BD's products daily. “Gary’s expertise in managing high-performing quality teams and his relentless pursuit of excellence will be vital as we strive to enhance our world-class quality standards,” Polen stated. He also took a moment to recognize Jeff Silvestri's contributions to BD, highlighting his instrumental role in fortifying the company's quality framework over two decades.

This leadership shift is timely, as BD continues its mission to advance health worldwide through an array of medical essentials, connected care solutions, and biopharma systems. Operating with a workforce of over 60,000 individuals globally, BD is dedicated to delivering billions of healthcare-related products each year. The company's purpose revolves around improving healthcare outcomes while lowering costs and enhancing clinical efficiency.

Sorsher's proven track record in the realm of quality management aligns perfectly with BD's aspirations. His leadership is expected to steer the company's strategic direction towards further innovation while maintaining its robust dedication to patient safety. The upcoming transition underscores the importance of quality as the cornerstone of BD's business philosophy and its relationship with stakeholders.

As the company looks forward to this new phase, industry observers are keen to see how Sorsher's approach will influence BD's trajectory in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape. The retirement of Jeff Silvestri marks the end of an era, and his legacy will undoubtedly shape the company's future initiatives and strategies.

For more insights into BD's operations and innovative solutions, visit bd.com or follow them on their social media platforms, including LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

With this leadership change, BD stands poised to continue its tradition of quality and patient-centric innovation in the healthcare sector, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of medical technology advancements as it navigates the evolving landscape of global health needs.