Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- Zimmer Biomet's priorities in Africa: explore the untapped potential of the market and expand its footprint across the region.
- Zimmer Biomet building strategic collaborations to increase access, looking for partners with local expertise.
- Zimmer Biomet's commitment to medical education and training to build local skillsets.
- Zimmer Biomet positioning itself as a technology company with solutions across the entire care continuum: mymobility Platform, WalkAI, first company in the world that has smart implants with real-time data for better patient management.
- Zimmer Biomet as a market leader for orthopedics in Africa: South Africa as one of the top 3 emerging markets to adopt robotic assisted surgery.
- Erik Antos' reflection as Zimmer Biomet approaches its 100-year celebration: managed to establish the identity of emerging markets and advocate for their growth potential.
EF: Could you elaborate on what are the current priorities that you're working on right now that align with these EMIR regional strategy that you have been working with?
EA: Zimmer Biomet has a meaningful footprint across Emerging Markets. Currently, our largest infrastructure is in South Africa and we aim to grow into other markets in Africa where we have the right to win in the future. Our goal is to improve healthcare across these regions, and we're committed to understanding and leveraging the complexities of each market to create opportunities that have a positive impact on the healthcare sector.
EF: What specific criteria do you consider tapping into new opportunities and selecting partners across Africa?
EA: When approaching Africa, we have to be selective due to its vast population and numerous countries. It's not feasible to operate everywhere, so we need to focus on the right priorities and geographies, selecting partners to create mutually beneficial relationships to advance patient care. Local expertise is crucial, especially in the orthopedic segment, which requires specialized knowledge and experience.
Africa presents immense potential, given the size of the continent, the number of countries, and its large population. However, there is significant under-penetration in the healthcare sector due to limited access to care, and the underdeveloped nature of many healthcare systems.
EF: How do you ensure that your portfolio meets the unique needs of healthcare providers in Africa while aligning with a global strategy?
EA: We are shifting from being solely an implant provider to a solution-oriented company. Our implants and technological solutions work together to address patient needs across the continuum of care. Our robotic-assisted surgery platform is revolutionizing orthopedic care in Africa; initially developed for hip and knee procedures, the platform has applications for neurosurgery and will have also for upper and lower extremities. It integrates technology including predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and advanced implant designs.
Additionally, our mymobility® care management platform empowers patients through smartphones and smart devices as they prepare for and recover from surgery. It delivers support and guidance to patients and captures continuous data and patient-reported feedback for care teams.
EF: How does the acquisition of OrthoGrid Systems, Inc. align with your strategic objectives for enhancing patient care across the continent, and what specific outcomes do you anticipate as a regional manager overseeing this integration?
EA: OrthoGrid’s capabilities align with our strategy to differentiate Zimmer Biomet as a technology-driven company, focused on providing innovative tools that continuously improve patient outcomes.
It's an advancement in addressing challenges in orthopedics through innovative technology and strengthens our portfolio. Specifically, it targets the growing market for fluoroscopy and surgical guidance systems.
EF: How do you perceive the receptiveness to new technologies across the different regions you manage?
EA: South Africa ranks among the top three countries in the EMEA Emerging Markets region for robotic-assisted surgery. We've deployed over 20 robotic systems there and the country’s healthcare professionals have shown a strong appetite for embracing innovative technologies, positioning South Africa as a key market for future advancements.
EF: Could you elaborate on how you perceive the awareness of diagnostics in Africa compared to other regions, and what strategies can be implemented to increase the awareness of the importance of investing resources in this area?
EA: Creating awareness about the advancements in technology and industry is essential. This includes upskilling surgeons to stay current with the latest innovations. Zimmer Biomet introduced the world's first smart, highly personalized knee with a smart stem extension that contains sensors to seamlessly collect motion data after your knee replacement surgery.
EF: What innovations do you believe will have the most significant impact on orthopedic care in Africa in the short term, especially considering the exciting shifts in technology that enhance patient outcomes and experiences across the care continuum?
EA: While the innovations we’ve discussed are highly relevant for Africa, their success depends on having infrastructure in place: well-equipped hospitals, advanced operating rooms, and continuous investments in training and education for healthcare professionals. It’s a comprehensive ecosystem that requires maturity in the market, support from healthcare systems and local governments, and ongoing education.
EF: Looking back at a time of unprecedented global challenges, particularly in a mature yet difficult market like Africa, what are the things you're most proud of as your company approaches its 100-year celebration?
EA: I take great pride in our resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges, in every market. I’m particularly proud of how we've strengthened our partnerships with local communities, empowering them through job creation and skill development. Our initiatives to enhance access to essential services have made a tangible impact, reflecting our dedication to both business growth and social responsibility.
Our focus on diversity and inclusion continues to enrich Zimmer Biomet and improve our decision-making. Looking back, it's clear that our ability to listen, learn, and adapt has been vital in overcoming obstacles, and I’m excited to see where Zimmer Biomet takes the orthopedic and healthcare industry during the next century.
