Holt, MI - Orchid Orthopedic Solutions (Orchid), a global leader in the design and manufacture of orthopedic implants, today announced that Nate Folkert will succeed Jerry Jurkiewicz as Chief Executive Officer, effective today, October 12, 2020. Mr. Jurkiewicz will continue to support Orchid during a transition period.
Mr. Folkert joins Orchid with 20 years of medical device experience and a deep understanding of the orthopedic implant end market. Most recently, he served as Vice President & General Manager for ConMed’s Orthopedics business, where he successfully accelerated growth through a customer-centric operating model with strong focus on accountability. Prior to ConMed, Mr. Folkert served as President of Zimmer’s Trauma Division, preceded by several other executive roles at Zimmer and Stryker. Prior to joining Stryker, Mr. Folkert was a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, having graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“Nate joins with a proven track record of growth acceleration and a close understanding of the orthopedic end market. The Board is impressed by Nate’s understanding of how to create value for Orchid’s customers and build true partnerships,” said Gary Fischetti, Chairman of the Board for Orchid.
As Mr. Folkert joins Orchid, the orthopedic implant market continues to benefit from secular demand growth driven by demographic trends as well as increasingly active lifestyles. In this growing market context, Orchid is focused on delivering value to its customers by providing comprehensive design and manufacturing solutions with industry-leading quality, allowing customers to focus on clinical innovation and winning go-to-market capabilities.
“I am incredibly excited to lead Orchid as the company enters a new chapter in its growth. Orchid has emerged as a leading supplier in this fragmented market, and I look forward to continuing to build on the significant progress made to date on building the company into a global operationally excellent manufacturing platform. Orchid has a long runway ahead as it focuses on partnering with customers to help them win in the market,” said Mr. Folkert.
Mr. Jurkiewicz has led Orchid for the past three years, successfully building a foundation for future growth. Under his leadership, Orchid launched a new operating model in manufacturing, strengthened its regulatory and quality operations to differentiate from competition, and continued to build world-class talent. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jerry for his considerable contribution to the development of Orchid,” commented Gary Fischetti.
About Orchid Orthopedic Solutions
Orchid is a world leader in orthopedic medical device solutions, providing design and manufacturing services globally. As a strategic partner, Orchid has the capability of providing entire implant procedure and product design services, as well as, complete single source manufacturing. Orchid has the broadest portfolio in the industry, ranging from design and development through finished goods manufacturing and packaging, improving customers’ supply chains and adhering to the highest quality standards in the industry. Orchid specializes in implants, single use instruments and innovative technologies within joint reconstruction, hips, knees, spine, trauma, extremities and dental. For further information, please see www.orchid-ortho.com.