Net Worth (2025): $1.5 Billion
David C. Paul is not widely known to the general public, yet within the medical device industry, his work has had a noticeable and lasting effect. As the founder of Globus Medical, Paul helped bring about meaningful changes in the way spinal surgery is performed. His influence is built into the tools used by surgeons worldwide, even if he isn’t loud.
Forming a New Path in Surgical Innovation
In the early 2000s, Paul decided to leave a secure role at Synthes and start a company of his own. He did not do so impulsively. His background in mechanical engineering, first developed at the University of Madras and then sharpened through postgraduate study in the United States, gave him the tools to think differently about surgical technology. But more than education, it was observation that pushed him to act.
At the time, many tools used in spine procedures had changed little over the years. Paul believed there was a gap between what surgeons needed and what manufacturers were producing. He began building Globus Medical around the idea that surgeons should not only use products — they should also help design them.
What followed was a steady period of growth. Globus Medical focused on efficiency, both in how it operated internally and in how its products supported faster, safer surgical techniques externally. Even though the business started out modestly, its early reputation was solid enough to generate momentum.
A Robotic Turn in Surgical Thinking
By 2014, the company had grown enough to make a bold move. It acquired Excelsius Surgical, a small firm with promising ideas. That decision led to one of Globus Medical’s most important contributions — the ExcelsiusGPS robotic platform. This technology gave surgeons an improved ability to navigate delicate spinal operations with enhanced visibility and accuracy.
It was not simply another tool. The system offered robotic alignment and navigation in one interface, guided by pre-operative imaging. It meant fewer surprises during procedures and more consistency in outcomes.
Ten years after its founding, the company had gone from a niche player to one leading a conversation about robotics in surgery. Globus introduced ExcelsiusHub in 2024, extending the concept that technology should adapt to surgeons, not the other way around.
Making business decisions with long-term thinking
Globus Medical went public in 2012, a significant shift for the firm. Paul chose to retain a major share, reinforcing his long-term commitment. The company did not chase rapid expansion, but it remained strategically ambitious.
Additionally, the two companies, Globus and NuVasive, united in 2023 and were able to integrate complementary technology and broaden their global reach.
A Leadership Shift and Steady Direction
Paul stepped away from the chief executive role in 2017, citing personal health concerns. He did not, however, exit the company. Instead, he moved into the role of Executive Chairman, continuing to shape the direction of research and development.
Daily operations are now under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Daniel Scavilla. Yet Paul’s thinking remains embedded in the company’s core practices, especially its habit of building new technology based on real-world surgical feedback.
A Legacy Still Actively Shaping the Future
David Paul did not aim to achieve widespread recognition. His work, however, has had a lasting clinical impact. He brought an engineer’s mindset to surgery — a desire to make things better, simpler, and safer.
Globus Medical continues to invest in robotics, artificial intelligence, and integrated navigation systems. Paul’s early belief that technology should meet clinical needs remains at the centre of its development approach. Though he no longer leads from the front, the company’s direction still reflects the values he brought into it from day one.
