Zimmer Biomet has appointed Chintan Desai as president of its Asia Pacific region, effective immediately. Desai joins the medical technology company with nearly three decades of leadership experience spanning regional management, sales, marketing, services, supply chain, finance and project management.
He most recently served as vice president and general manager of International Growth and Export Markets at Alcon.
Based in Switzerland, Desai was also a member of Alcon’s International Leadership Team.
Before that role, he served as vice president of Alcon’s Asia Pacific Surgical business in Singapore.
In that position, Desai led the company’s medical technology franchise across multiple markets in the region.
Prior to joining Alcon, Desai spent more than 22 years at GE Healthcare.
His career at GE Healthcare included senior regional business leadership roles based in the United States, Singapore and Australia.
Desai’s experience covers medical devices, consumer health products, digital solutions and capital equipment.
His appointment gives Zimmer Biomet an executive with extensive experience managing healthcare businesses across the diverse Asia Pacific market.
The region includes countries with different healthcare systems, regulatory environments, reimbursement structures and levels of medical technology adoption.
Zimmer Biomet develops products and technologies intended to improve mobility and support patient care.
Its portfolio includes medical devices as well as integrated digital and robotic technologies that use data, analytics and artificial intelligence.
The company operates in more than 25 countries and sells products in over 100 countries.
As regional president, Desai will be responsible for advancing Zimmer Biomet’s strategy, customer relationships and commercial growth across Asia Pacific.
He will also oversee the company’s efforts to expand access to its medical technologies throughout the region.
Desai is a certified Chartered Accountant in India.
He also completed the Executive Leadership Development Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Desai serves as a volunteer and mentor for business schools and startups across Asia Pacific.
Desai succeeds Sang Yi, Zimmer Biomet’s current group president of Asia Pacific.
Yi will leave the company on August 28, 2026, following a transition period.
He has worked at Zimmer Biomet for 13 years and helped advance the company’s regional strategy and growth.
KEY QUOTES:
“Chintan is a seasoned MedTech executive with nearly three decades of leadership experience at highly respected companies, along with deep expertise leading businesses across the Asia Pacific region. He knows this market, he knows how to lead, and he will be a strong addition to our team. I’m very much looking forward to the impact he’ll make for our team, our customers and our Mission.”
Ivan Tornos, Chairman, President and CEO of Zimmer Biomet
“On behalf of the entire Zimmer Biomet team, I would like to thank Sang for his leadership and contributions over the past 13 years. He played an important role in advancing our strategy across Asia Pacific and helped drive meaningful growth for our company in a critical region of the world. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Ivan Tornos, Chairman, President and CEO of Zimmer Biomet
