Patterson Dental Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Patterson Dental has 9 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, commercial excellence, and regional operations.

Focused on enhancing practice efficiency for dental professionals, Patterson Dental delivers high-quality supplies and services while maintaining a commitment to innovation and superior customer support across the entire dental industry.

Leadership Roles at Patterson Dental

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Kemp
  • Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer - Hewitt Patterson
  • Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental - Craig Holbrook
  • Region President - Elliott Carson
  • Region President - Cara Cherry
  • Western Region President - Paul Guggenheim
  • Region President - Stephen Bartley
  • Region President - Irfan Buddha
  • Chief of Staff & Excellence Vice President, Commercial - Collyn Bradley
  • Robert Kemp - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Kemp, the Chief Executive Officer at Patterson Dental, directs the overarching corporate strategy to ensure market leadership in the dental supply sector. Kemp oversees the integration of advanced product lines and service solutions designed to optimize dental practice efficiency. By aligning internal resources with evolving industry demands, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and operational excellence. Robert Kemp maintains constant communication with the board to refine long-term objectives and secure competitive advantages. This leadership role involves monitoring macro-economic trends to adjust supply chain logistics and service delivery models. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of quality and reliability. Kemp ensures that every strategic initiative supports the core mission of providing dental professionals with the tools necessary for superior patient care and practice success.

    Hewitt Patterson - Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer

    Hewitt Patterson, the Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer at Patterson Dental, architects the foundational vision and long-term strategic direction for the organization. Patterson oversees the preservation of core values while adapting business models to meet modern dental technology requirements. As the Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer, Patterson guides the executive team in maintaining high standards of service quality and product distribution. This role involves evaluating market expansion opportunities and fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders. Hewitt Patterson ensures that the company remains a trusted partner for dental professionals by prioritizing innovation and operational efficiency. By balancing historical expertise with forward-looking strategies, the Chief Executive Officer sustains the company's reputation for excellence. Patterson directs efforts toward continuous improvement in service delivery, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of the dental supply market through consistent, high-value contributions.

    Craig Holbrook - Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental

    Craig Holbrook, the Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental at Patterson Dental, directs international operations and cross-sector growth initiatives. Holbrook oversees the expansion of medical and dental product portfolios across diverse global markets, ensuring consistent quality standards. As the Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental, Holbrook aligns regional business units with the overarching corporate mission to enhance practice efficiency. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and navigating international regulatory environments to maintain seamless service delivery. Craig Holbrook coordinates with global teams to identify emerging market trends and implement scalable solutions that support dental professionals worldwide. By optimizing resource allocation and fostering cross-functional collaboration, the Global Chief Executive Officer drives revenue growth and operational stability. Holbrook ensures that the company maintains a strong competitive position by delivering tailored solutions that address the specific needs of medical and dental practitioners on a global scale.

    Elliott Carson - Region President

    Elliott Carson, the Region President at Patterson Dental, directs operational activities and market growth within the assigned territory. Carson oversees the implementation of corporate strategies at the regional level, ensuring that dental professionals receive consistent access to high-quality products and services. As the Region President, Carson manages local sales teams and service technicians to maintain high standards of practice efficiency. This leadership role involves analyzing regional market trends and adjusting operational tactics to meet specific customer needs. Elliott Carson coordinates with corporate leadership to align regional performance with national objectives. By fostering strong relationships with dental practices, the Region President drives customer loyalty and expands the company's footprint. Carson ensures that regional operations remain agile and responsive to industry changes, ultimately supporting the company's mission to provide reliable, efficient solutions for dental care providers across the designated geographic area.

    Cara Cherry - Region President

    Cara Cherry, the Region President at Patterson Dental, directs the execution of service delivery and sales strategies within the assigned region. Cherry oversees the development of local market initiatives that prioritize practice efficiency and customer satisfaction. As the Region President, Cherry manages regional personnel and resources to ensure the seamless distribution of dental supplies. This leadership role involves identifying unique regional challenges and implementing targeted solutions to maintain competitive advantage. Cara Cherry coordinates with other regional leaders to share best practices and optimize operational workflows. By focusing on the specific requirements of dental professionals in the area, the Region President drives growth and strengthens the company's market presence. Cherry ensures that all regional activities align with the corporate commitment to quality, providing dental practices with the necessary tools to succeed in a demanding healthcare environment through consistent, reliable, and efficient service delivery.

    Paul Guggenheim - Western Region President

    Paul Guggenheim, the Western Region President at Patterson Dental, directs all commercial and operational efforts across the western territory. Guggenheim oversees the management of regional sales teams and the distribution of dental products to ensure maximum practice efficiency for clients. As the Western Region President, Guggenheim implements strategic plans that address the specific needs of dental professionals in this expansive market. This leadership role involves monitoring regional performance metrics and adjusting tactics to drive revenue growth and operational excellence. Paul Guggenheim coordinates with corporate headquarters to ensure that western operations reflect the company's high standards for quality and service. By building strong partnerships with local dental practices, the Western Region President secures long-term loyalty and market stability. Guggenheim ensures that the company remains the preferred provider for dental supplies by delivering consistent, high-value support and innovative solutions tailored to the unique demands of the western market.

    Stephen Bartley - Region President

    Stephen Bartley, the Region President at Patterson Dental, directs regional operations and strategic growth initiatives to support dental professionals. Bartley oversees the deployment of sales and service resources, ensuring that practices receive the necessary tools to maintain high levels of efficiency. As the Region President, Bartley manages the execution of corporate policies while adapting to the specific needs of the local market. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration between sales teams and service departments to provide comprehensive support. Stephen Bartley monitors regional market dynamics and implements strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and retention. By focusing on operational excellence and quality service, the Region President drives the company's mission forward within the territory. Bartley ensures that all regional activities contribute to the overall success of the organization, providing dental practices with reliable access to essential supplies and expert guidance for improved patient care.

    Irfan Buddha - Region President

    Irfan Buddha, the Region President at Patterson Dental, directs the regional strategy and operational performance to ensure the delivery of high-quality dental supplies. Buddha oversees the management of regional sales and service teams, focusing on initiatives that improve practice efficiency for dental professionals. As the Region President, Buddha implements corporate directives while tailoring approaches to meet the specific demands of the local market. This leadership role involves analyzing regional data to optimize resource allocation and drive growth. Irfan Buddha coordinates with other regional leaders to ensure consistency in service quality and operational standards. By building strong relationships with dental practices, the Region President strengthens the company's market position and supports long-term success. Buddha ensures that all regional activities remain aligned with the company's core mission, providing dental professionals with the reliable products and services required for efficient and effective practice management.

    Collyn Bradley - Chief of Staff & Excellence Vice President, Commercial

    Collyn Bradley, the Chief of Staff & Excellence Vice President, Commercial at Patterson Dental, executes strategic initiatives to streamline commercial operations and enhance organizational performance. Bradley oversees the alignment of sales and marketing functions with the company's broader goals for practice efficiency. As the Chief of Staff & Excellence Vice President, Commercial, Bradley manages internal communications and cross-departmental projects to ensure operational cohesion. Collyn Bradley drives the implementation of commercial best practices, focusing on data-driven decision-making to improve customer engagement and service delivery. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to refine business processes and support the company's growth objectives. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Chief of Staff & Excellence Vice President, Commercial identifies opportunities for process optimization. Bradley ensures that all commercial activities remain focused on delivering high-quality products and services to dental professionals, thereby strengthening the company's market position and overall operational effectiveness.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Patterson Dental Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Patterson Dental?
    Patterson Dental is led by Robert Kemp (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Hewitt Patterson (Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer) and Craig Holbrook (Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental).
    Who is part of Patterson Dental’s executive team?
    The executive team of Patterson Dental includes leaders such as Robert Kemp (Chief Executive Officer), Hewitt Patterson (Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer), Craig Holbrook (Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Patterson Dental have?
    Patterson Dental has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Patterson Dental’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Patterson Dental includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founding Member and Chief Executive Officer, Global Chief Executive Officer, Medical & Dental, Region President, Region President.