Dentsply Sirona Announces Strategic Board Appointments: James Forbes and Brian McKeon Join Board of Directors

Charlotte, N.C., February 24, 2026 — Dentsply Sirona Inc. (Nasdaq: XRAY) has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, appointing James (Jim) D. Forbes and Brian P. McKeon as new members, effective February 27, 2026. These appointments are part of the company’s ongoing Board refreshment strategy and are designed to enhance its strategic oversight and accelerate the execution of its Return-to-Growth action plan.

Key Points from the Announcement

• Appointment of James Forbes: Mr. Forbes is a veteran healthcare investment banker with over 30 years of experience. His expertise lies in advising healthcare companies on complex strategic transactions, capital markets engagements, and capital allocation decisions. Forbes most recently served as Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley and previously held senior roles at UBS and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He has advised on financing transactions totaling more than \$200 billion and executed M&A deals exceeding \$100 billion. Forbes will serve on the Compensation & Human Capital Committee.
• Appointment of Brian McKeon: Mr. McKeon brings 25 years of public company CFO experience and nearly 20 years of public company board involvement. He is noted for his operational and financial leadership at high-growth, innovative companies, most recently as EVP, CFO, Treasurer, and head of strategy for IDEXX Laboratories. McKeon will join the Audit and Finance Committee and Science and Technology Committee. He currently serves on the boards of Alkermes plc and National Veterinary Associates, and was previously a director at Athenahealth and IDEXX Laboratories.
• Board Refreshment and Retirement: In conjunction with these appointments, long-serving director Willie Deese has informed the Board of his intention to retire and not stand for re-election at the upcoming annual shareholders’ meeting. Deese has contributed 15 years of service during a period of significant transformation for Dentsply Sirona.
• Strategic Implications: The appointments are intended to strengthen the Board’s strategic, financial, and governance capabilities, supporting management in disciplined execution, operational performance, and sustainable long-term growth. Chairman Gregory T. Lucier emphasized that these additions are crucial for executing the Return-to-Growth action plan and delivering durable shareholder value.
• Potential Price Sensitivity: The infusion of deep healthcare sector, investment banking, and public company CFO expertise could be viewed positively by investors. The Board’s increased financial and strategic rigor may enhance confidence in the company’s turnaround and growth prospects. The retirement of a long-serving director, while part of a broader refreshment process, may signal ongoing transformation and focus on value creation.

Detailed Profiles of New Board Members

• James (Jim) Forbes:
  • 30+ years in healthcare investment banking, including senior leadership at Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
  • Advised on financing transactions totaling \$200+ billion and M&A deals exceeding \$100 billion.
  • Served as Co-Head of Global Healthcare Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch.
  • Board experience includes HCA Healthcare and multiple private equity portfolio companies.
  • Holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland.
• Brian P. McKeon:
  • 25 years as a public company CFO; nearly 20 years as a public company board director.
  • Most recently EVP, CFO, Treasurer, and Head of Strategy at IDEXX Laboratories, driving multi-year growth and value creation.
  • Board roles at Alkermes plc, National Veterinary Associates, Athenahealth, and IDEXX Laboratories.
  • Expertise in strategy, finance, operational execution, and governance.
  • Holds an M.B.A. from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Company Overview

Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest diversified manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with a century-long history of innovation. The company’s solutions include dental and oral health products and other consumable medical devices under a strong portfolio of globally recognized brands. Dentsply Sirona’s products are designed to advance patient care and deliver safer, more effective dental treatments. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, its shares trade on Nasdaq under the symbol XRAY.

Implications for Investors

• Board Strengthening: The addition of Forbes and McKeon, with their extensive financial, strategic, and governance experience, is likely to reinforce investor confidence in the company’s leadership and its Return-to-Growth plan.
• Potential for Enhanced Value Creation: The focus on disciplined strategic choices, capital allocation, and financial stewardship could lead to improved operational performance and shareholder value.
• Continued Transformation: The board refreshment process, including the retirement of Willie Deese, underscores Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to ongoing transformation and governance best practices, which may be viewed positively in capital markets.
• Share Price Sensitivity: Strategic board changes at a critical juncture, especially with the addition of high-profile financial leadership, may influence investor sentiment and potentially affect share valuation.

Contact Information

For further information, investors may contact Wade Moody, Senior Manager, Investor Relations at [email protected].

Disclaimer: This article is based on public disclosures from Dentsply Sirona Inc. and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Investors should conduct their own analysis and consult professional advisors before making investment decisions.

View DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. Historical chart here