Sotera Health Company (NASDAQ: SHC) announced Alton Shader will become chief executive officer effective May 26, 2026, succeeding Michael B. Petras, Jr., who will transition to executive chairman of the board.

Shader has served as CEO and director of Viant Medical since 2019. He brings over 20 years of medical industry experience and previously held senior positions at Hill-Rom's Front Line Care business and Baxter International Inc. in Europe and the United States. Shader holds a bachelor's degree in economics and psychology from Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from Stanford University.

Petras joined Sotera Health as CEO in 2016 and led the company through revenue growth from $630 million in 2016 to $1.164 billion in 2025. During his tenure, adjusted EBITDA grew more than $300 million. Petras guided the company through its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Stock Market in 2020.

"The transition to Alton has been carefully planned to ensure Sotera Health's continued success," Petras said in the announcement. "Alton's strong commercial experience and track-record of driving growth in the healthcare industry makes him a great fit for Sotera Health."

Vincent Petrella will remain as lead independent director of the board. At Viant, Shader led the company through accelerated growth by expanding its global manufacturing footprint and strengthening capabilities through acquisitions.

Sotera Health provides sterilization solutions, lab testing and advisory services for the healthcare industry through its Sterigenics, Nordion and Nelson Labs businesses.