NJIT Chair-Elect Robert Cohen Selected as 'Champion' Executive

Robert Cohen '83, '84, '87, Stryker Corporation’s vice president for Global Research and Development and Chief Technology Officer, Joint Replacement, has been selected as a C-Suite Champion, according a leading New Jersey business publication ROI-NJ.

C-Suite Champions panel recognizes executives who have made outstanding contributions to their company’s performance and leadership, as well as the local communities that support their business. These individuals are the C-Suite influencers who are trailblazers, innovators, visionaries and exemplary leaders who work every day to create a better, more successful tomorrow for New Jersey businesses.

Cohen also serves NJIT’s Board of Trustees as the chair-elect.

“Robert Cohen is a three-time alumnus of NJIT with both undergraduate and advanced degrees, and he is a perfect example of what our university is about,” said NJIT President Joel S. Bloom. “He has achieved incredible success doing work that betters the lives of others. Robert also has been among our most loyal and dedicated alumni throughout his life and has contributed in numerous ways to the betterment of his community.”

Cohen has worked in the orthopedic medical device industry for 35 years and has managed research, development, manufacturing, regulatory, clinical research, quality and marketing functions. In his current role, Cohen leads the Joint Replacement Global R&D team located in 11 countries, with over 500 team members. 

In May 2018, Mr. Cohen was presented the Stryker R&D Fellow Award. The R&D Fellow Award is the most distinguished accolade in Stryker that only nine other employees have received in the history of Stryker for outstanding performance and contributions to Stryker’s innovation and business growth over time. Cohen holds more than 25 patents in the field of orthopedic medical devices and technologies.

Cohen is a driving force behind diversity and inclusion programs at Stryker, as well. He is the executive sponsor of the Stryker African American Network at the Mahwah location. This group focuses on encouraging opportunities for the African American employees, recruiting, and also collaborates and sponsors outside groups such as the Gladden Society who promote diversity in orthopedics. In 2019, Stryker sponsored an experience day for members of this society and is now working on setting up some minority resident grants and fellowships.