Henry Schein CEO Search Extends into 2026, Stanley Bergman to Continue Leading

MELVILLE, NY – December 23, 2025 – Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), a global powerhouse in healthcare solutions, announced today that its search for a new Chief Executive Officer will extend into the new year, with a final appointment now anticipated by mid-January 2026. In a move signaling a commitment to stability, the company confirmed that its long-tenured Chairman and CEO, Stanley Bergman, will continue to lead the organization at the request of the Board of Directors until a successor is in place.

The update provides a new timeline for a closely watched leadership transition at the FORTUNE 500 company, which serves over one million dental and medical practitioners worldwide. The board emphasized that the process is nearing its conclusion and expressed strong confidence in the candidates being considered.

A Deliberate and Thorough Process

In the announcement, Henry Schein’s Lead Director, Philip A. Laskawy, framed the extension as a function of a meticulous and successful search rather than a setback. “We are pleased with the progress we have made in our search for Henry Schein’s next CEO,” Laskawy stated. “The search process is nearing completion but will not be finalized before year-end. We have evaluated a pool of highly qualified candidates, and the level of interest and caliber of talent have been exceptional.”

This deliberate pacing is not uncommon for a leadership transition of this magnitude. Selecting a CEO for a company with nearly 25,000 employees, operations in 33 countries, and annual sales reaching $12.7 billion in 2024 is a critical decision with long-term implications. The board’s commentary suggests a focus on finding the ideal fit to navigate the company’s complex global operations, rather than rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline. The emphasis on the “exceptional” quality of candidates indicates the board is weighing strong options, a positive sign for investors and stakeholders.

For a company that has seen remarkable growth and stability, ensuring the next leader can build upon its established foundation is paramount. The slight delay underscores the board’s commitment to due diligence in securing a successor capable of steering the company through the next chapter of its growth.

A Steady Hand at the Helm

A key element of the announcement is the continued leadership of Stanley Bergman, a figure synonymous with Henry Schein’s decades-long success. Bergman has been at the helm for a significant portion of the company’s history, overseeing its expansion since it became a public company in 1995. During that time, the company has grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.2 percent, evolving into an S&P 500-listed industry leader.

Bergman’s agreement to remain in his role provides crucial continuity, mitigating the uncertainty that can often accompany a CEO search. His presence ensures that strategic initiatives will continue without interruption and that the eventual handover will be well-managed. In his own remarks, Bergman reinforced this commitment to a seamless transition.

“The Board has engaged in a thoughtful and thorough search process,” Bergman commented. “Until a successor CEO assumes the position, I look forward to working with the team to build on the continued momentum in the business and ensuring a smooth transition.”

This arrangement offers a stabilizing force, reassuring employees, customers, and the market that the company remains under proven leadership while the final details of its succession plan are solidified. Bergman’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of the business provide an invaluable bridge to the new era of leadership.

Navigating a Complex Global Market

The next CEO of Henry Schein will inherit a robust but challenging landscape. The company operates as a solutions provider for healthcare professionals, powered by a vast network of people and technology. Its business model relies on a centralized and automated distribution network that manages over 300,000 different products, serving a diverse customer base that includes office-based practitioners, dental laboratories, and institutional clinics.

This intricate operation is subject to numerous market forces, including intense competition, potential supply chain disruptions, evolving regulatory environments, and macroeconomic pressures like inflation and shifting currency values. The new leader must be adept at managing a complex supply chain, fostering innovation in clinical and technology solutions, and maintaining strong relationships with both suppliers and a global customer network.

The board’s careful selection process reflects the high stakes involved. The ideal candidate will need not only a deep understanding of the healthcare industry but also the strategic vision to navigate geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and the consolidating nature of the market. The decision to take a few extra weeks to finalize the choice highlights the board's awareness of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the company.

With the final announcement now expected in a matter of weeks, the industry and investors will be watching closely to see who will be tapped to lead Henry Schein into its next phase of innovation and market leadership.