Edward Gravell is a seasoned business executive with over 40 years of experience in business development, strategic growth, leadership, and competitive market positioning. His extensive background spans across science, healthcare, sports, and the food distribution industry (where he has started learning by taking a board position with an industry broker), making him a versatile and knowledgeable leader in navigating complex markets. With a strong track record in business evaluation, scaling, mergers & acquisitions, and board governance, Edward has been instrumental in driving organizational success, strategic partnerships, and operational efficiency throughout his career.
Edward most recently served as the principal of Gravell Insights, LLC, where he provided strategic consulting for diagnostics and healthcare organizations, focusing on market segmentation, product development, and business strategy execution. His leadership guided companies in optimizing their growth strategies, supply chain efficiencies, and competitive positioning within their respective industries.
Prior to his role at Gravell Insights, Edward held multiple high-impact leadership positions at Cardinal Health, a $110B company that has grown into a $210B Fortune 14 company and the 50th largest corporation in the world. As vice president of business development, he led portfolio expansion through strategic partnerships and the adoption of new technologies that transformed healthcare product distribution and accessibility. Earlier, as senior vice president of health systems, he oversaw national account distribution for medical, surgical, and laboratory products, managing large-scale contracts with hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and enhancing procurement efficiencies across the healthcare sector. In his national accounts position, he was responsible for $6.5B in sales, while his leadership in the Scientific Products division drove an additional $1.5B in revenue.
Before his tenure at Cardinal Health, Edward served as president of MedAssets, one of the largest and most comprehensive GPOs in the country. Under his leadership, MedAssets expanded its reach to over 11,000 healthcare facilities nationwide, strengthening its position in both acute and non-acute sectors. His expertise in contract negotiations, supplier relations, and market expansion was pivotal in MedAssets’ success, demonstrating his ability to drive growth, develop key partnerships, and lead organizations to industry dominance.
Edward’s career began in laboratory management, where he spent over a decade in clinical and medical lab operations, gaining hands-on expertise in diagnostics, healthcare materials management, and product innovation. As a licensed clinical laboratory scientist, he played an essential role in bridging the gap between laboratory science and business strategy, a skillset that has defined much of his success in business development and healthcare procurement.
Beyond his executive roles, Edward has been an active board member and strategic advisor. He has served on multiple boards, both large and small, and continues to provide advisory services for two companies, offering his insights on business scaling, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. His speaking engagements on moving product in the healthcare industry have positioned him as a thought leader in supply chain optimization and product commercialization.
Edward’s leadership extends beyond the corporate world—he is also a former high school and college baseball coach, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship, team building, and fostering competitive cultures. His ability to develop talent, drive strategic initiatives, and navigate high-stakes environments makes him an invaluable asset to any board or organization seeking innovative leadership and business transformation expertise.
With a determination that drives success, Edward lives by the motto: “I never take no for an answer.” This mindset, combined with his diverse industry experience, deep strategic insight, and vast network of industry connections, positions him as a top-tier candidate for board service and executive advisory roles. He remains passionate about helping businesses thrive and leveraging his expertise in business strategy, leadership, and competitive market positioning to make a lasting impact in the industries he serves.
Character: Edward Gravell is a determined and resilient leader who thrives on challenges and lives by the principle of never taking no for an answer.
Knowledge: With over 40 years of experience, he possesses deep expertise in business development, healthcare supply chains, diagnostics, mergers & acquisitions, and competitive market strategies.
Strategic: He has a proven ability to scale businesses, drive growth, and develop strategic partnerships, having led major organizations in optimizing operations, procurement, and market expansion.
Communication: As a seasoned speaker and advisor, he effectively articulates complex business strategies, mentors teams, and fosters collaboration across industries and leadership levels.
