Change of management for Brainlab

Brainlab, a leading digital medical technology company, announced today a change in management effective January 2025: Stefan Vilsmeier, who founded the company 35 years ago and has been Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from the beginning, is taking a step back from the company’s operational business. Moving forward, Vilsmeier will dedicate his time to strategic matters as part of the Board of Directors, focusing on the further development of the Health IT segment. Rainer Birkenbach, current Chief Technology Officer (CTO), will become CEO. At the same time, Rudolf Kreitmair, previously Executive Vice President Finance at Brainlab, will be appointed to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

Brainlab has now finalized the structural evolution and expansion of the Executive Board, which began in October 2024. In that first move, the company expanded the management team from three to four people, appointing Tobias Schalkhausser as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Florian Hoffmann as Chief Operating Officer (COO). 

Stefan Vilsmeier developed Brainlab into a market leader in the field of digital medical technology with more than 2,400 people at 25 locations worldwide. Brainlab technology is used to digitize, automate and optimize clinical workflows and is used in over 6,700 hospitals in 127 countries. 

“The company’s journey from a start-up to global innovation leader proves what’s possible when you surround yourself with talented, passionate colleagues to grow big dreams from healthy curiosity along the needs of our long-standing customers,” said Stefan Vilsmeier. “I am now looking forward to embarking on a new chapter in my Board of Directors role. I have had the privilege of working closely with Rainer Birkenbach over the past 30 years to shape our core business, based on shared values, and now look forward to unleashing his extraordinary talent to elevate Brainlab to the next level.” 

Rainer Birkenbach has been responsible for Research & Development and Quality Management at Brainlab since 1998. As CTO, his responsibilities included the strategic and ongoing development of technologies and products as well as quality assurance for the clearance of medical devices in the international market. Birkenbach will continue the company’s mission to develop innovative medical products in close collaboration with Brainlab customers, supporting clinicians and patients in the fight against cancer and other diseases. He’ll also leverage and expand existing technologies into broader and deeper clinical areas. Birkenbach joined Brainlab in 1994 as a software developer and, during his 30 years at the company, has been instrumental in the company’s strong growth, driving technological innovation with enthusiasm. 

“I am proud and excited to continue the Brainlab success story as CEO,” said Rainer Birkenbach. “What Stefan Vilsmeier has built up over 35 years with his entrepreneurial foresight is extraordinary. Our common goal is to drive change in healthcare and shape the future of medical technology.” 

Rudolf Kreitmair, the new Brainlab CFO, started with the company in 2004 and has since held various roles focusing on group-wide financing strategy. Since 2017, Kreitmair has held the position of Executive Vice President Finance and was responsible for the global financial organization of the Brainlab group in direct collaboration with CEO Stefan Vilsmeier. 

Press Contacts 

Global 
Bernadette Erwig 
Head of Communication & PR 
+49 89 99 1568 0 
presse@brainlab.com 

USA 
Debbra Verard 
Director, Marketing and Communications 
+1 (708) 409-1343 
presse@brainlab.com