CooperCompanies adds former STERIS chief to board

CooperCompanies (NASDAQ: COO) appointed Walter M. Rosebrough Jr. as an independent director effective January 3, 2026, the medical device company announced. The appointment coincides with a cooperation agreement between CooperCompanies and investment firm Browning West.

Rosebrough serves as CEO emeritus and senior advisor of STERIS plc (NYSE: STE), a medical device company focused on infection prevention. He led STERIS as CEO from 2007 to 2021, during which the company's stock generated an 18% annualized return compared to 10% for the S&P 500. The company's market capitalization increased by more than $20 billion during his tenure.

The new director will join CooperCompanies' Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee. The board agreed to provide consideration for Rosebrough to serve as board chair by the end of 2026. The company also committed to appointing another independent director with medical technology experience, subject to Browning West's agreement.

Rosebrough previously held senior positions at Hill-Rom Holdings for nearly two decades, including president and CEO roles. He currently serves as independent chair of Varex Imaging's (NASDAQ: VREX) board.

Under the cooperation agreement, Browning West agreed to standstill and voting commitments and will support the board's director slate at the 2026 annual stockholder meeting. The agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CooperCompanies operates through two business units: CooperVision for contact lenses and CooperSurgical for fertility and women's healthcare. The San Ramon, California-based company employs more than 15,000 people and sells products in over 130 countries.

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