Baxter International has announced significant changes in its leadership following the departure of former CEO Joe Almeida. The company appointed lead independent director Brent Shafer as interim CEO, chair, and interim group president for medical products and therapies.
In conjunction with his appointment, Shafer stepped down from his role as lead independent director. Nancy Schlichting has assumed this position.
Heather Knight has been promoted to EVP and COO, taking over the post immediately. Her responsibilities include day-to-day business operations, including global sales, marketing, R&D, supply chain, and medical and regulatory affairs.
The company’s Kidney Care business is now standalone as “Vantive,” following its completion sale to private equity firm Carlyle Group on January 31, 2025. Vantive aims to elevate the standards of kidney and vital organ therapies with a focus on enabling longer, fuller lives for patients everywhere.
Almeida retired from all executive roles but plans to serve in an advisory capacity through October 31, 2025. His tenure saw significant evolution in Baxter’s strategic positioning, including simplifying its business through divestment of non-core assets and implementing a new operating model to accelerate innovation and deliver value.
Source: https://www.massdevice.com/baxter-ceo-almeida-retire-kidney-care-standalone