Baxter International, a global medtech company, announced that executive vice president and chief financial officer Joel Grade will depart the company to prioritize family matters, marking a leadership transition in its finance organization. Grade will remain in an advisory role through April 30, 2026 to support continuity during the transition.
The company has appointed Anita Zielinski as interim chief financial officer, effective immediately, while it conducts a search for a permanent successor. Zielinski joined Baxter in 2025 as senior vice president, chief accounting officer and controller, and will continue in those roles alongside her interim CFO responsibilities.
Before joining Baxter, Zielinski served as senior vice president and CFO of U.S. Foodservice Operations at Sysco Corporation, its largest business segment. She also spent more than 20 years at Ernst & Young, including serving as an audit partner.
Baxter said it is maintaining its previously issued full year 2026 financial outlook, signaling confidence in its current strategic direction and financial positioning.
The company emphasized that it remains focused on stabilizing operations, strengthening its balance sheet, and advancing continuous improvement initiatives as it navigates the leadership transition.
KEY QUOTE:
“Joel has supported Baxter through a period of significant transformation, and we greatly appreciate his contributions and partnership. Baxter remains well positioned for value creation and continues to prioritize stabilizing the business, strengthening our balance sheet, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. I am confident that Anita and the Finance team will provide strong leadership to ensure this continuity during the transition.”
Andrew Hider, President And Chief Executive Officer, Baxter International
