Intuitive Surgical Appoints Dave Rosa as New CEO, Guthart to Become Executive Chair

Rosa brings nearly three decades of experience across clinical and engineering functions.

Intuitive Surgical has announced a leadership transition, naming President Dave Rosa the new CEO, effective July 1, 2025. Current CEO Gary Guthart will assume the role of Executive Chair of the board, while Craig Barratt, currently board chair, will become Lead Independent Director.

According to Barratt, “Dave’s appointment as CEO is the culmination of the board’s thoughtful succession planning, reflecting his instrumental role in establishing our strategy, guiding the development of our product pipeline, and expanding the company’s global footprint.” He added, “We are confident he’s the right leader to drive the company’s next chapter of growth.”

Guthart, who has served as CEO for 15 years, stated, “Together, we’ve developed products and services that have made a positive difference for care teams and millions of their patients.” He will support the transition and continue in a senior advisory capacity.

Guthart joined Intuitive in 1996 as a control systems analyst and advanced through multiple leadership roles, becoming CEO in 2010. During his tenure, Intuitive's market capitalization rose from approximately $10 billion to over $200 billion. He oversaw the launch of multiple surgical systems, including the da Vinci 5 and Ion platforms.

Incoming CEO Dave Rosa, who joined Intuitive in 1996 as its ninth employee, has held several leadership roles across engineering, product development, and commercial functions. He led the development of both the da Vinci SP and Ion robotic systems.

Reflecting on Rosa’s appointment, Guthart said, “Having worked closely with Dave for decades, I am confident that his patients-first focus and deep capability in guiding Intuitive’s strategy, our designs, our product and service quality, and our operational excellence make him uniquely qualified to lead our business forward.”

Rosa remarked, “We are at an exciting time with a significant opportunity to advance the work that customers care most about — the Quintuple Aim — improving patient outcomes, enhancing patient and care team experience, expanding patient access to care, and ultimately lowering the total cost to treat.”

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