99 Years of Purpose: Celebrating Founders Day
Honoring a legacy of innovation, people and purpose while redefining the future of musculoskeletal care
Founded on May 2, 1927 by Justin O. Zimmer in Warsaw, Ind., Zimmer Biomet began with a belief that innovation could improve lives. Nearly a century later, that belief continues to guide how we serve patients, support communities and shape the future of musculoskeletal care.
In 2026, we celebrate 99 years of advancing innovation, empowering our people and giving back to the communities where we live and work. With our centennial celebration just one year away, this Founders Day is about the people, ideas and purpose that continue to shape who we are today.
“Founders Day brings our mission and purpose into focus, reminding us that our impact is built over time through bold ideas, meaningful collaboration and a deep commitment to patients,” said Chairman, President and CEO Ivan Tornos. “As we approach our centennial in 2027, we remain focused on advancing innovation, strengthening our communities and empowering our people to shape the future of healthcare. Nearly a century in, I can tell you that we’re just getting started.”
A Global Celebration
Around the world, Zimmer Biomet teams came together to celebrate Founders Day in ways that reflect our culture of connection, gratitude and giving back.
At our global headquarters in Warsaw, more than 3,000 team members and local leaders gathered across three shifts for an employee meal and annual food drive. By the end of the celebration, more than 5,000 pounds of food and other pantry necessities were donated to Combined Community Services, a non-profit that provides many programs and services to Kosciusko County families.
EMEA and APAC teams also marked Founders Day through a range of activities, from regional celebrations and community initiatives to local team gatherings that reflected our shared legacy of innovation and giving back.
Across EMEA, team members celebrated Founder’s Day through local gatherings and moments of appreciation. At our Winterthur, Switzerland location, team members connected for an appreciation lunch, enjoying a meal from an outdoor grilling station and dining together in a tent outside the office.
APAC team members also marked the occasion in meaningful ways. During the regional town hall, team members came together virtually to reflect on what innovation means across markets and how it continues to shape the way we serve patients and customers today. Teams also gave back through community activities, including in Thailand, where volunteers recorded themselves reading books for people who are blind.
Together, these moments reflect the spirit of Founders Day, honoring our shared purpose while making a tangible difference in the communities we serve.
Investing in the Future
As part of this year’s celebration, we reinforced our deep, long-standing connection to Warsaw through a meaningful investment in the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators and leaders.
In honor of our 99th year, we donated 99 STEM kits to Warsaw Community High School, designed to spark curiosity and creativity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, fields that play a vital role in MedTech innovation and advanced manufacturing.
“Our future engineers, designers and leaders could be sitting right here in a Warsaw classroom,” said Shawn Fergison, Vice President of Warsaw Operations. “These STEM kits are more than tools; they’re an invitation for young minds to explore, imagine and discover what’s possible. The next generation of innovators is right here in Warsaw, and we’re proud to help spark their journey.”
Looking Ahead
From our roots in Warsaw to our global impact today, Founders Day reflects what makes our company strong: our global team members, our mission and our commitment to making a difference.
As we celebrate 99 years, the excitement for our centennial and what comes next is unmistakable—and so is our momentum.
