Wednesday, July 1, 2026

STADA appoints Mark Pearson to lead global Consumer Healthcare

STADA is changing the leadership of its global Consumer Healthcare business. As of 1 July, Mark Pearson takes over as Head and Executive Vice President Global Consumer Healthcare. The former Reckitt executive will also join STADA's executive board, be based at the company's headquarters in Bad Vilbel and report directly to CEO Peter Goldschmidt.

Pearson succeeds Volker Sydow, who is leaving STADA after almost six years to pursue a new career path outside the company. STADA said Sydow will continue to support the business as an external adviser.

Growth agenda for CHC brands

STADA links the appointment to its plans for further expansion in Consumer Healthcare. The company points to more than 250 focus brands, product innovation, AI-supported marketing and sales activities, new channel approaches and acquisitions as key elements of the agenda.

In the company statement, Goldschmidt highlights Pearson's experience in consumer health and hygiene markets. STADA also sees additional opportunities in digital marketing, sales channels and the use of artificial intelligence across the segment.

International experience from Reckitt

Pearson brings around 25 years of international Consumer Healthcare experience, according to STADA. At Reckitt, he held operational and global leadership roles across several markets, including the UK, Brazil, Russia, Poland and North America. Most recently, he led Reckitt's global vitamins, minerals and supplements business.

The new CHC head describes STADA's growth culture as a key reason for the move. He points to rising consumer expectations around health and wellness and to the need for companies to respond with greater speed and relevance.

Consumer Healthcare remains a strategic pillar

Consumer Healthcare is one of STADA's three strategic pillars, alongside generics and specialty pharmaceuticals. The company describes itself as the fourth-largest provider of over-the-counter medicines in Europe. From 2021 to 2025, STADA reported a 12 percent compound annual growth rate in Consumer Healthcare revenue, including 9 percent organic growth.

Targeted deals remain part of the strategy. STADA cites the recent acquisition of Orifarm's food supplements business as an example of how it intends to broaden its portfolio of local brands and strengthen its CHC presence in Europe and Asia.

STADA markets products in more than 100 countries. For the 2025 financial year, the company reported group sales of 4.296 billion euros and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of 961 million euros. At the end of 2025, STADA employed 11,670 people worldwide.