Olympus appoints Simone Berger as Chief Human Resources Officer

Olympus has announced the appointment of Simone Berger as Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective April 1, 2026, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing global transformation.

The leadership announcement is part of a broader executive reshuffle aimed at strengthening enterprise-wide operations and accelerating sustainable growth. The company said the new appointments underscore its ambition to reinforce its position as a leading global MedTech organisation.

“Today, we are announcing several key executive appointments effective April 1, 2026, marking an exciting next step in our global transformation,” Olympus stated. “Their combined experience will help drive our strategy to strengthen enterprise-wide operations, accelerate performance, and support sustainable growth as a global MedTech leader.”

Berger will succeed Shigeto Ohtsuki, who has played a pivotal role in advancing Olympus’ HR and general affairs functions since joining in 2019. 

Under the “Transform Olympus” initiative, Ohtsuki spearheaded the implementation of a globally aligned, job-based HR system, strengthened performance management frameworks, and facilitated international talent mobility. With these reforms reaching a significant milestone, he has expressed his intention to step down.

The Board of Directors tentatively approved the leadership changes, with formal ratification scheduled for March 2026.

Bringing extensive international experience from Germany, Singapore, and China, Berger is recognised for leading large-scale cultural and organisational transformations. Olympus expects her to spearhead the integration of global HR systems, advance a competitive talent strategy, and support the company’s cultural evolution.

Her leadership will focus on positioning HR as a strategic business function with a clear emphasis on value creation, innovation, and return on investment.

“We are now entering the next phase, integrating HR information and processes globally, developing a winning talent strategy, and advancing the Olympus cultural transformation,” the company noted.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Berger described her appointment as the beginning of a new chapter.

“I feel truly privileged to join Olympus Corporation as CHRO and member of the Global Executive Committee,” she said. “The company’s purpose,making people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling, resonates deeply with me.”

She also highlighted Olympus’ global footprint and cultural diversity as key drivers of innovation. “Innovation and growth happen when people from different backgrounds and cultures unite under one purpose,” Berger added, expressing gratitude to the Olympus Board, Chairman Yasuo Takeuchi, and President and CEO Robert J. White for their trust.

Berger currently serves as Chief People Officer and Executive Board Member at STADA Arzneimittel AG. Her previous roles include senior HR leadership positions at Bayer, Schaeffler, Voith Turbo, and Goodbaby International.

Alongside Berger’s appointment, Olympus named David Shan as Executive Officer and Chief Manufacturing and Supply Officer. These leadership changes are designed to strengthen operational excellence, optimise global supply chains, and support the company’s new corporate strategy beginning in April 2026.

As Olympus advances its globalisation agenda, Berger’s appointment signals a renewed emphasis on people, culture, and performance, aligning talent strategy with the organization’s mission to deliver innovative medical technologies worldwide.