Olympus Unveils Major Corporate Strategy to Transform Endoscopy Care Through AI and Robotics

Olympus Corporation unveiled a comprehensive strategy to transform endoscopy-enabled care through innovation and operational excellence, marking what company leadership describes as a pivotal moment for the global MedTech leader. The strategy aims to accelerate cutting-edge technologies and reinforce Olympus' global leadership position while improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.

Bob White, Representative Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Olympus, emphasized the strategic shift from hardware-focused approaches toward intelligent, integrated care systems. "We are building on our industry-leading installed base of endoscopy systems to move beyond hardware toward a future defined by intelligent, integrated care," White stated. The company's vision centers on advanced, minimally invasive endoscopy powered by AI, robotics, and connected digital ecosystems that enable earlier detection, improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and ensure continuity of care.

The strategic framework rests on three core pillars: Innovation-driven Growth, Simplicity, and Accountability. Innovation-driven Growth will focus on expanding leadership in AI-powered endoscopy, robotics and cloud-connected solutions. The Simplicity and Accountability pillars will serve as operational accelerators, streamlining processes, empowering teams, and driving sustainable performance across the organization.

As part of the organizational transformation, Olympus will implement global changes expected to yield approximately 24 billion yen in run rate savings and a net reduction of roughly 2,000 positions in the global workforce. These workforce reductions and anticipated savings will be executed in accordance with all applicable local employment laws and regulatory requirements during the implementation period from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2027. The optimization initiative aims to simplify organizational layers and expand managerial spans of control, fostering greater agility and clearer accountability throughout the company.

The integrated growth and transformation plan includes a three-year financial strategy targeting 5% year-on-year revenue growth by fiscal year 2029, annual 100 basis-point growth from fiscal year 2026, more than 10% EPS Compound Annual Growth Rate, and continuous improvement in free cash flow. Capital will be deployed dynamically to support innovation, dividends, share buybacks, and strategic mergers and acquisitions.

Leadership transitions accompany the strategic announcement, with Keith Boettiger, currently Corporate Officer and Co-head of the Gastrointestinal Solutions Division, being appointed Executive Officer and Gastrointestinal Solutions Division Head effective April 1, 2026. He will succeed Frank Drewalowski, who will transition to Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer. Yasuo Takeuchi will step down as Representative Executive Officer, Executive Chairperson and ESG Officer at the end of March 2026, concluding over four decades of service during which he led Olympus' transformation into a pure-play MedTech company.

This strategic announcement represents a significant shift in the medical technology landscape, particularly given Olympus' position with the world's largest installed base of endoscopy systems. The move toward AI-enhanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities could substantially impact how gastrointestinal and other endoscopic procedures are performed globally, potentially leading to earlier disease detection and improved patient outcomes across healthcare systems. For more information about the company, visit https://www.olympus-global.com.