Brandon Sawalich

Named President of Starkey in 2017 and Chief Executive Officer in 2020, Brandon Sawalich leads a global team of more than 5,000 employees, with facilities in over 26 countries. He drives the strategic direction of Starkey and works closely with the Executive Team and other leaders throughout the organization to support the company’s values and goals.

As President and CEO, Brandon Sawalich is focused on forward-thinking leadership and is committed to continuing to innovate the science, design, and production of hearing aid technologies, while providing consumers with the best quality products at affordable prices.

Under Brandon’s leadership, Starkey has incorporated integrated sensors, artificial intelligence, and Healthable technology into their hearing health products, and he continues to seek out opportunities to bring cutting-edge products and solutions to market.

In 1994, Brandon Sawalich began his career at Starkey’s All Make Repair and Earmold Lab. Over two decades, Brandon worked his way up, learning diligently across many aspects of the company, and before becoming President and CEO, he helped grow, shape, and lead the sales division. Through his broad professional experience, Brandon has developed a deep understanding of the company’s products and the customers’ needs. Prior to his tenure as President, Brandon Sawalich served as Senior Vice President of Starkey from 2005 – 2017.

During his long career, Brandon came to understand that personalized customer service, customized fitting, professional evaluation, and state-of-the-art technology must all come together seamlessly to properly serve each and every unique customer.

Brandon believes a hearing loss is a critical medical issue and is committed to improving people’s lives through the gift of hearing. According to the World Health Organization, at least five percent of the global population suffers from hearing loss, which, when untreated, is associated with social isolation, depression, and dementia. Brandon has volunteered with Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide free hearing aids to people in need. In addition, he works with the International Hearing Foundation to spread the gift of hearing overseas.

In 2017, Brandon Sawalich was elected to lead the Hearing Industries Association as Chairman of the Board of Directors, an 18-member industry group that works with government leaders to support efforts to increase the accessibility and affordability of hearing aids, especially given the overall importance of hearing health.

In 2019, he was named to the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Executive Advisory Council, which helps support the Bush Center’s strategic direction to address the issues of today and tomorrow, making an impact in the United States and around the world.

And in 2020, Brandon Sawalich joined Medical Alley’s Board of Directors, where he is committed to identifying new opportunities for organizational growth and collaboration, as well as bringing the importance of hearing health and technology integration to the forefront to overall health care.

Among Brandon’s other interests and activities are various philanthropic and community-based ventures. He is dedicated to raising Minnesota’s and the Twin Cities’ profiles, both nationally and abroad, as a leading hub of business, especially in the medical and technology sectors. Brandon is also a longtime supporter of Special Olympics Minnesota and was elected to the organization’s Board of Directors in 2014 and served through 2015.

When he’s not providing world-class hearing devices, he can be found coaching little league, supporting his children’s passions, enjoying activities on the lake with his family, or cheering on the Chicago Cub