Scott Drake (Cordis) has long been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the medical technology space. Known for his high-impact leadership at Spectranetics Corporation, where he served as President and CEO, Drake redefined what strategic transformation looks like in a high-stakes, innovation-driven industry. His journey is a compelling case study in how focused leadership, bold decisions, and patient-centric innovation can rewrite a company’s future.
From revitalizing Spectranetics’ product line to orchestrating one of the largest medtech acquisitions in recent memory, Scott Drake (Cordis) brought relentless energy and vision to the table. Today, as Executive Chairman of Cordis, his legacy continues to shape the future of cardiovascular health.
Early Career and Rise to Leadership
Scott Drake’s foundation in medical technology began with a solid academic background and a strong passion for healthcare innovation. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Miami University of Ohio and started his career as president and CEO at ViewRay, one of the world’s most respected names in healthcare.
He quickly gained recognition for his performance and soon moved into leadership roles, sharpening his skills in commercialization, operations, and business transformation. Before taking the reins at Spectranetics Corporation, he held key executive positions at DaVita and Covidien, where he earned a reputation for building growth-focused strategies in complex healthcare environments.
Turning Around Spectranetics Corporation
In 2011, Scott Drake stepped into the role of President and CEO at Spectranetics Corporation, a medical device company specializing in laser atherectomy and lead management systems. At the time, the company was struggling with limited innovation, weak financials, and declining investor confidence.
Drake immediately went to work on redefining the company’s mission, sharpening its focus on minimally invasive cardiovascular therapies. He emphasized a culture of execution, reinvestment in R&D, and consistent communication with both employees and shareholders.
Under his leadership, Spectranetics saw a dramatic turnaround:
- Revenue Growth: From $117 million in 2010, the company’s revenues climbed steadily, reflecting double-digit growth annually.
- Culture Reboot: Drake reshaped the company culture, earning repeated recognition from Glassdoor as one of the top-rated CEOs.
- Strategic Acquisitions: He led the acquisition of Stellarex (a drug-coated balloon technology), expanding the company’s portfolio in peripheral artery disease treatment.
Spectranetics Sold to Philips for $2.2 Billion
Perhaps the most defining moment in Drake’s tenure came in 2017, when Philips acquired Spectranetics for $2.2 billion. This strategic move validated years of hard work, positioning Philips to deepen its offering in image-guided therapy while providing Spectranetics the global scale it needed to further expand its product reach.
Drake’s role in facilitating the acquisition was pivotal. He ensured that Spectranetics’ culture and innovation pipelines remained intact post-merger a rare achievement in the corporate M&A world. It was a move that rewarded shareholders and preserved the mission that Drake had worked tirelessly to build.
New Chapter: Cordis and Continued Influence
After the acquisition, Scott Drake (Cordis) didn’t fade into the background. In 2021, he took on the role of Executive Chairman at Cordis, a global cardiovascular innovator. His experience at Spectranetics proved invaluable in leading Cordis through its own period of reinvention after being spun out from Cardinal Health.
At Cordis, Drake is again applying the same blueprint that worked at Spectranetics streamlining the product pipeline, accelerating innovation, and reinforcing a values-driven culture. His leadership continues to center around improving patient outcomes, increasing access to advanced cardiovascular technologies, and building a company culture that motivates teams at all levels.
Leadership Style and Core Values
Scott Drake is often praised for his approachable yet visionary leadership style. He believes in radical transparency, fast decision-making, and empowering people at every level. His track record proves that strong leadership doesn’t mean micromanagement it means trusting your team while setting ambitious goals.
Drake is also deeply invested in employee satisfaction and workplace culture. His leadership at Spectranetics earned him high ratings on Glassdoor, and he continues to advocate for mental health, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership in every organization he’s part of.
Recognition and Industry Impact
Drake’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He was repeatedly named one of the Top CEOs in the U.S. by Glassdoor during his time at Spectranetics. His focus on patient-centric innovation has also influenced how many medtech companies approach product development and commercialization today.
More importantly, his career serves as a model for up-and-coming leaders in the healthcare space demonstrating that success comes from bold action, team empowerment, and a relentless commitment to solving real-world medical challenges.
Scott Drake (Cordis) is more than a seasoned CEO he’s a transformer of businesses, a leader of people, and a visionary in healthcare innovation. From rescuing Spectranetics Corporation from stagnation to shaping the future of Cordis, Drake has left a powerful mark on every company he’s touched.
