Robert Hayes is a seasoned executive and board director whose career spans more than three decades across the healthcare packaging, medical device, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of operational rigor, commercial innovation, and strategic foresight—qualities that have enabled him to lead both Fortune 500 environments and emerging growth companies with equal confidence and measurable success. His work has shaped critical aspects of pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery technologies, and his leadership has influenced organizations operating in highly regulated, globally competitive markets.
Across his 35-year career, Robert has built a reputation for transforming companies through disciplined execution, breakthrough product innovation, and a steadfast commitment to quality. His early foundation in manufacturing and quality engineering established an ethos of excellence that would carry through every role he assumed. From technical engineering assignments to executive leadership in multinational corporations, Robert developed a comprehensive understanding of both frontline operations and enterprise-level strategy, enabling him to navigate complex challenges with depth and agility.
His tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director at Sharps Technology stands as a hallmark of his executive impact. Joining the company in a pivotal phase, Robert guided the organization from its early-stage vision through a NASDAQ IPO, successfully raising over $16 million in initial funding and an additional $50 million across subsequent public offerings. Under his leadership, Sharps transitioned from concept to commercialization, achieving FDA, WHO, and CE Mark approvals and securing multi-year partnerships that generated substantial long-term contract value. Robert also spearheaded the acquisition of the SafeGard Medical manufacturing facility in Hungary, positioning the company for vertical integration, enhanced production capacity, and global market expansion.
Before stepping into the CEO role, Robert spent more than a decade with Gerresheimer Glass, where he advanced through several senior leadership positions. As Senior Director of Innovation & Product Management, he led the commercialization of specialized glass pharmaceutical packaging solutions across North America and Europe. His achievements included developing high-value product lines, driving cross-functional collaboration among R&D, marketing, and production teams, and delivering high-performing packaging innovations that strengthened the company’s market position. His earlier role as Director of Commercial Quality deepened his expertise in regulatory compliance, product stewardship, and customer-driven product development.
During his time at Gerresheimer, Robert held a global key account leadership role, managing portfolios that exceeded $50 million in annual value. His ability to foster long-term strategic partnerships with major healthcare companies—including Pfizer, Merck, Hospira, and Amgen—demonstrated his strength in customer engagement, financial forecasting, and multinational relationship management. His approach combined commercial insight with a deep technical understanding of product applications, earning him recognition as a trusted advisor to global clients.
Earlier in his career, Robert held plant leadership and quality management roles with organizations such as Amcor, Alcan, Boston Scientific, Fresenius Medical Care, Hill-Rom, Cardinal Health, Covidien, and Hollister. These roles provided extensive experience in clean room manufacturing, molding technologies, high-speed assembly systems, and sterile product operations. His responsibility for multi-site quality management, design assurance, and regulatory compliance reinforced his ability to lead teams through FDA inspections, technical audits, product validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Robert’s early professional years at Owens-Illinois (O-I) further shaped his understanding of advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Serving as a Glass Technician and later a Quality Assurance Manager, he gained crucial expertise in specialty glass production—knowledge that would later become essential in supporting pharmaceutical packaging technologies at a global scale. These foundational roles instilled a deep respect for precision, durability, and product safety, values that have remained central throughout his leadership journey.
In addition to his executive roles, Robert has contributed as an advisor, public speaker, and industry collaborator. His public interviews and media features reflect his role as a thought leader in drug delivery, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing trends. He has shared insights with the PDA Drug Association and other professional organizations, reinforcing his commitment to knowledge sharing and industry advancement. His work has also involved national marketing engagements, professional presentations, and participation in global forums addressing the future of healthcare technologies.
Robert’s professional path is anchored by a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toledo and a suite of respected certifications from ASQ and Oriel STAT A MATRIX, including Certified Quality Auditor, Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Manager, ISO Lead Assessor, and Six Sigma Green Belt. These credentials have supported his lifelong dedication to structured problem-solving, regulatory excellence, and strategic operations management. Whether leading production teams, advising on corporate strategy, or guiding innovation programs, Robert applies disciplined, data-driven thinking to every challenge.
A global executive with experience spanning Europe, China, Mexico, and the United States, Robert brings a sophisticated understanding of international operations, regulatory landscapes, and cross-cultural leadership. His ability to operate effectively across global markets reflects both his technical expertise and his appreciation for diverse perspectives within complex organizational environments. His international experience has been instrumental in expanding product portfolios, managing global supply chains, and establishing operational systems that meet worldwide healthcare standards.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Robert is driven by a personal commitment to innovation, quality, and improving patient care. He believes deeply in the importance of strong board governance, having witnessed firsthand how aligned leadership can accelerate transformation while weak oversight undermines progress. His mission—to develop innovative healthcare products that elevate quality of life—guides not only his professional decisions but also his ongoing advisory work with public companies and early-stage ventures.
Character:
Robert demonstrates unwavering integrity in all aspects of his leadership, consistently grounding decisions in accountability and ethical responsibility. He leads by example, cultivating cultures of trust, transparency, and respect that unify teams around shared goals. His steady demeanor in high-stakes environments reinforces his reliability as both an executive and a board leader.
Knowledge:
With more than 35 years of experience across the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors, Robert brings extensive technical and operational expertise to every role he occupies. His mastery of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing processes empowers him to solve complex problems with insight and precision. He remains committed to lifelong learning, staying engaged with emerging technologies and global market trends.
Strategic:
He excels at designing and executing strategies that align innovation, operations, and financial performance to achieve sustainable growth. He has repeatedly transformed organizations by guiding them through IPOs, acquisitions, commercialization milestones, and multi-year revenue expansions. His ability to anticipate market shifts allows him to position companies ahead of industry demands and competitive pressures.
Communication:
Robert communicates with clarity, purpose, and empathy, whether engaging with global partners, internal teams, investors, or regulatory agencies. He is an articulate advocate for innovation and operational excellence, ensuring that strategic priorities are understood and embraced at every level. His communication style fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships across diverse functions and cultures.
