Siemens Healthineers has appointed John Kowal as its new president and head of the Americas, effective April 14, 2025. Kowal, currently president of the Americas for Varian, will succeed David Pacitti, who has accepted the chief executive officer role at Avanos (NYSE: AVNS), also effective April 14, 2025.
Darleen Caron, CHRO and member of the Managing Board at Siemens Healthineers with responsibility for The Americas, expressed gratitude for Pacitti’s contributions. “We are very thankful for Dave’s commitment over the last decade to position Siemens Healthineers as a leading medtech company in the United States,” Caron stated. She added that the company was “particularly grateful for his leadership in building strategic Value Partnerships with world-renowned medical institutions in the U.S.”
Caron also highlighted the confidence in Kowal’s appointment. “We are very pleased to appoint John Kowal as our new president and head of the Americas. His track record of cultivating long-term, deep customer relationships has significantly contributed to our leading market position in the Varian business segment. His outstanding commercial and overall leadership capabilities make John the ideal candidate for this role.”
Kowal’s career with Varian began in 2005 when he joined the sales team. He progressed through several management positions of increasing responsibility, becoming president of the Americas for Varian in 2017.
Kowal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is a graduate of the executive development program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
