Meet Preston Wells, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer
Preston Wells is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stryker’s Orthopaedic and Spine division. Additionally, he was named a 2022 Most Influential Black Executive in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine.
Between his impressive professional accomplishments and interaction with existing and prospective shareholders – we wanted to know more about Preston and what his career and life look like in and outside of Stryker.
Why did you join Stryker?
I started my career in a company that was very mission-driven after I went to a company that was not mission-focused. Looking to reconnect to mission-driven work, I joined Stryker, a company that was incredibly purposeful, for an opportunity to grow my career.
What does a day in your life look like?
In my Investor Relations role, I spend most of my days interacting with our existing and prospective shareholders. It has been amazing to spend time with people that effectively own our company. In addition, I get to spend time with the different business leaders around our diverse group of businesses learning their products and markets while crafting our external messaging. Finally, I sit on our Finance Leadership Team, which helps craft and deliver the vision of the finance function for Stryker.
What has been your career path?
Immediately out of college I spent 16 years progressing through increasing levels of responsibility throughout the commercial, supply chain, and corporate finance roles. Following that, I spent two years as the CFO of a mid-sized lighting company. I then joined Stryker as the Senior Finance Director within our Spine business before becoming the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis for the corporation. My most recent role was the Vice President of Investor Relations, and I am in the process of moving into the Orthopaedic & Spine Group Chief Financial Officer role.
Do you have any regrets in your career?
I regret not joining Stryker earlier in my career (joking). I do not have any major regrets as my career highs and lows have helped shape me into who I am today. However, I am sure that there are opportunities that I should have taken more advantage of. I encourage everyone to take advantage of every opportunity that is in front of them, no matter how small they perceive it to be.
What is your life like outside of Stryker?
Life outside of Stryker is focused on my family. My wife Melissa and I have 3 great kids. Ashlynn, Mason, and Logan. Outside of kids’ activities, I enjoy playing golf and different types of sports. I am a huge college football fan.
Interested in growing your career with us?
Check out our current job openings and apply today!