Smith & Nephew CEO Deepak Nath Defends Multi-Business Strategy
Deepak Nath, CEO of Smith & Nephew, outlined the company's RISE three-year plan and defended its portfolio approach. He described how the firm adapted after external pressures including inflation, supply disruptions, and reduced China revenue.
rediff.comSmith & Nephew CEO Deepak Nath said the company exceeded targets for profit, cash flow, and revenue growth under its three-year turnaround plan despite missing its margin goal. Nath took the role in February 2022 as the fourth CEO in five years. He introduced a 12-point strategy that included bi-weekly four-hour executive meetings to track progress.
The company introduced zero-based budgeting to offset the shortfall. Nath said the firm will continue to operate orthopedics, wound care, and other units together because scale supports long-cycle research investments.
Activist investor Cevian Capital acquired a 5% stake in 2024 and called for higher shareholder returns. Nath said he has held constructive talks with the firm but declined to discuss specific proposals. The company unveiled its next three-year plan, called RISE, in December 2025 after involving a wider group of managers in the process.
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