“I lead to inspire teams to go beyond what they think is possible, and create impact in the individuals and organizations they touch along the way.”
Craig M. Kierst is a visionary commercial leader and board-level strategist with more than two decades of impact-driven experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and dental sectors. Across his diverse and upward-trending career, Craig has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities, guiding both established enterprises and emerging growth teams through high-performance transitions and growth initiatives. With a career that bridges continents and cultures, he blends operational precision with a passion for people development, resulting in enduring results for patients, teams, and stakeholders alike.
Craig’s journey began in the United States, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Marketing and Sport Management from Seton Hall University, graduating cum laude. His professional foundation was laid in sales roles that quickly revealed his natural leadership abilities and knack for building rapport, both with customers and within cross-functional teams. Early stints at Forest Pharmaceuticals and General Binding Corporation gave him hands-on experience in competitive markets, sharpening his commercial instincts and preparing him for the ascent into medtech leadership.
His transformative chapter began at The Straumann Group, a global leader in dental implants and orthodontics. Over 16 years, Craig rose steadily through the ranks, holding positions of increasing responsibility and complexity. As Vice President of Sales for North America, he managed a $500 million revenue portfolio, leading a high-performing team of over 275 sales professionals. Craig reimagined sales structures, optimized operational strategies, and introduced new planning and compensation models that fueled consistent year-over-year growth. Under his leadership, the company achieved standout results—including a 16% growth over budget in 2021 and the acquisition of major accounts that solidified market dominance.
Not one to rest on past success, Craig took on the role of General Manager and Country Manager for France, where he relocated to bring his expertise to a new market. In this international role, he oversaw $100 million in annual revenue and led a diverse team of functional leaders across sales, marketing, finance, and operations. He revitalized the French market strategy by embedding a high-performance culture, launching a new digital business model, and leading the integration of multiple brands under one umbrella. His forward-thinking initiatives, such as the Deepsen VR Experience and Riegl Data Project, underscored his belief in aligning customer needs with innovative solutions that serve both clinical and commercial goals.
Craig’s ability to adapt and thrive on the global stage is exemplified by his multilingual proficiency and international business experience. Fluent in English and conversant in French and Spanish, he brings a culturally sensitive and globally strategic perspective to his work. His leadership has extended across borders—not only geographically but also in influence—building cross-functional teams and orchestrating customer education events throughout Europe and the Middle East. His experience navigating the complex landscapes of France and Switzerland has enriched his ability to lead with empathy, insight, and precision.
Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Sales Strategy & Growth for ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, Craig leads strategic initiatives across sales, product positioning, pricing, call center optimization, and competitive analysis. His work spans the brands ClearChoice and Aspen Dental, where he collaborates with commercial, marketing, IT, and operations teams to align organizational growth with customer expectations. This role represents a return to his passion for transformative growth and demonstrates his continued relevance and adaptability in the fast-evolving world of healthcare.
Craig’s leadership extends beyond the corporate sphere. He served on the Board of Directors for Paradigm Oral Health, where he played a pivotal role in strategic planning, M&A advisory, and guiding the organization through a successful recapitalization. His board tenure not only reinforced his executive credibility but also illuminated his deep understanding of long-term organizational health and shareholder value. He thrives in environments that demand critical thinking, collaborative foresight, and the courage to lead with integrity.
Guided by a personal mission to inspire and empower, Craig fosters teams that consistently outperform expectations while cultivating a culture of trust and purpose. His approach to leadership is people-centric, anchored in mentorship and committed to creating environments where employees are equipped, motivated, and valued. He believes in the power of positive disruption, often challenging conventional approaches to unlock new avenues of performance and impact.
Academically, Craig continues to invest in his development. He earned an Executive MBA from IMD Business School in Switzerland, one of the top-ranked global programs, and completed certifications in Challenger Selling, executive negotiation, and sales coaching. These experiences deepen his understanding of leadership dynamics, stakeholder alignment, and strategic decision-making. He brings not just experience to the table, but a lifelong learning mindset that fuels his evolution as a modern executive.
Outside of work, Craig is passionate about travel, golf, sports, and wine—interests that reflect both his appreciation for culture and his commitment to balance. Whether on the golf course or at an international conference, Craig approaches every interaction with curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to connect. He finds fulfillment in both personal and professional growth and is continuously inspired by opportunities to contribute to meaningful innovation in healthcare.
Character:
Craig leads with integrity, courage, and empathy—valuing authenticity in every relationship he builds. He is a trusted advisor to teams and executives alike, known for his steady hand during change and his humility in success. His actions are grounded in a commitment to improving lives and creating sustainable value.
Knowledge:
With over two decades in healthcare and medtech, Craig possesses deep industry insight that spans operational, clinical, and commercial domains. He continuously sharpens his acumen through advanced education, certifications, and global exposure. His ability to synthesize market dynamics into actionable strategies sets him apart as a trusted expert.
Strategic:
Craig is a builder of vision, adept at connecting the dots between short-term execution and long-term goals. He architected sales and market strategies that led to double-digit growth across multiple geographies and verticals. His strategic foresight is matched by the discipline to implement scalable, repeatable success models.
Communication:
Craig is an engaging communicator who can distill complexity into clarity, whether speaking on a panel or aligning cross-functional stakeholders. He believes that communication is the bridge between vision and execution, and he uses it to inspire action, foster alignment, and drive cultural cohesion. His multilingual and multicultural fluency enhances his global reach and relevance.
