Medical technology is one of Germany's most innovative and export-oriented industries. It combines technological excellence with direct benefits for patient care. The industry offers executives and applicants attractive career and business prospects, but also requires a high degree of adaptability to regulatory, technological, and economic changes.
According to the Spectaris Industry Report 2024 and information provided by the association, the German medical technology industry generated total sales of €40.4 billion in 2023. Of this, €13.2 billion was attributable to the domestic market and €28.2 billion to exports, corresponding to an export ratio of around 68 percent. The industry employs around 161,400 people, which is an increase of around one percent compared to the previous year.
B. Braun Melsungen: Total sales in 2024 amounted to €9.137 billion, with 64,262 employees worldwide. The company has a strong presence in the areas of infusion therapy, surgery, and dialysis products.
Siemens Healthineers recorded total revenue of €22.4 billion in fiscal year 2023/24 and employs around 72,000 people. Its main areas of focus are imaging diagnostics, laboratory diagnostics, and digital health solutions.
Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA: Total revenue of €3.373 billion in 2023, approximately 16,329 employees. The company is the market leader in the fields of ventilation and anesthesia technology.
Technological innovation
The industry invests above average in research and development, with the total often exceeding ten percent of sales. This enables advances in minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and AI-supported diagnostic systems.
Regulatory expertise
The implementation of the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) places high demands on approval processes. Companies that align their internal structures accordingly secure competitive advantages.
Digitization and networking
Telemedicine, networked devices, and cloud solutions are changing healthcare processes. German manufacturers are increasingly working on interoperable platforms for hospital and practice applications.
For executives in medical technology, it is crucial to find a strategic balance between innovative strength, cost control, and regulatory certainty. Investments in sustainable production processes, digital infrastructure, and skilled workforce development are becoming increasingly important in this context.
Specialists with expertise in biomedicine, engineering, data analysis, and regulatory affairs are particularly in demand. Interdisciplinary skills, intercultural competence, and experience in project management significantly increase the chances of securing attractive positions.
For businesses
For applicants
The German medical technology industry is a significant growth driver and highly competitive on the international market. High-revenue companies such as B. Braun, Siemens Healthineers, and Drägerwerk set global standards. Companies that embrace current developments in technology, regulation, and digitalization at an early stage can ensure both business and personal success.
If you are looking for qualified specialists and executives for your medical technology company, we can support you with targeted executive search. We find the talent that will advance your corporate vision in the areas of product development, regulatory affairs, sales, or digital product management.
For over 15 years, BESTMINDS Executive Search has been successfully filling vacancies in the fields of medical technology, healthcare, life sciences / pharma, and IT / media. Please feel free to contact us for a non-binding initial consultation. Together, we will identify the right employees for your goals.
