The medical technology group, which includes two manufacturers of surgical instruments in the Tuttlingen region, Koscher & Würtz and Christian Diener, has appointed Dr. Christian Stark as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from September 1, 2025. Dr. Stark has more than 20 years of experience in the international medical device industry and brings along extensive operational and strategic leadership expertise.
In his new role, Dr. Stark will manage the existing companies, Koscher & Würtz and Christian Diener, as well as future acquisitions within the group. The aim is to further expand the group’s position as a leading supplier of instruments for neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and orthopedics.
“With Dr. Christian Stark, we are gaining an internationally recognized leader who brings both deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of success in the international medtech business. He will play a key role in driving our growth strategy and building a strong, internationally competitive group,” explains Rafael Natanek, General Partner at Gilde Healthcare Private Equity.
Dr. Stark emphasizes: “The group combines decades of experience in the development and manufacture of customized surgical instruments with a market-leading reputation. By combining expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, and international reach, we can offer our customers not only the highest quality, but also a constantly growing, innovative product portfolio.”
Before joining the group, Dr. Stark held senior positions in the international healthcare and medical technology sector at various corporations and institutions, gaining over two decades of experience in different leadership roles and regions. His doctorate in engineering focused on the digitization of production processes, giving him extensive expertise in combining technology, efficiency improvements, and innovation.
The group employs a total of around 300 highly skilled workers across several production sites in the Tuttlingen area. As part of a strong medical technology group, the individual companies benefit from:
· An expanded product and service portfolio through the pooling of specialist expertise
· Synergy effects in procurement, manufacturing, and quality management
· Joint innovative strength through shared development resources and know-how transfer
· Strong international market access through international customer network and joint sales activities
This structure not only opens up growth opportunities for existing members, but also offers attractive potential for other companies looking to strengthen their competitive position in the global medtech market.
About Gilde Healthcare
Gilde Healthcare is a specialized healthcare investor managing over €2.6 billion across two fund strategies: Private Equity and Venture&Growth. The Private Equity fund of Gilde Healthcare participates in profitable lower mid-market healthcare companies based in North-Western Europe. The Venture&Growth fund of Gilde Healthcare invests in fast growing companies active in digital health, medical technologies (MedTech) and therapeutics, based in Europe and North America. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.gildehealthcare.com
