At the intersection of purpose, process and people, Matt Hicks is helping shape the future of Danaher—one hire at a time. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Matt brings a rare blend of entrepreneurial grit, corporate strategy and Lean discipline to his role as Director of Talent Acquisition. His story is one of transformation, impact and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.
From dot-com to Danaher: A career of evolution
Matt’s corporate recruitment career began in 1996, during the height of the dot-com boom. “This formative experience laid the foundation for my understanding of fast-paced, innovation-driven industries,” he says. After transitioning into healthcare technology, he spent nearly 14 years running his own executive search firm—partnering with senior leaders to build high-impact teams.
Later, Matt joined GE Healthcare as an executive recruiter, expanding his scope and sharpening his enterprise-level strategy. “This entrepreneurial chapter allowed me to partner closely with senior leadership across the industry, driving strategic hiring initiatives and building high-impact teams.,” he says.
His move to Danaher was the result of a long-standing professional relationship with a recruitment leader at Danaher. “That connection ultimately led to me joining IDT (a Danaher business) in 2020,” he shares.
Drawn to DBS and a culture of excellence
Matt was no stranger to Lean methodologies before joining Danaher. “Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply engaged in Lean processes—particularly in how they drive efficiency, accountability and continuous improvement in talent acquisition functions,” he explains.
What truly attracted him was the Danaher Business System (DBS). “The emphasis on structured problem-solving, process discipline and operational excellence strongly aligned with my own values and experiences,” he says. “The opportunity to join a company where process improvement is not just encouraged but embedded in the culture was a compelling next step.”
First impressions and lasting impact
Coming from other large, matrixed organizations, Matt expected complexity—but Danaher offered something more. “Early on, I was struck by the depth and breadth of the multi-business structure and how each of Danaher’s three platforms contributes to meaningful outcomes for customers and patients,” he says.
Over time, his appreciation for DBS has only deepened. “It’s not just a company with strong products—it’s a company with a disciplined, scalable approach to continuously improve.”
Building teams that drive innovation
As Director of Talent Acquisition, Matt’s role is both strategic and hands-on. “My day-to-day centers on partnering with senior HR and business leaders across DHR to understand evolving talent needs, shape recruitment strategies and deliver positive outcomes,” he explains.
He’s led large-scale hiring initiatives, embedded coaching and daily management practices, and driven measurable business outcomes. “I’ve helped identify talent gaps and provided strategic recommendations to strengthen succession planning and workforce readiness.”
“As recruiters, we’re not the scientists, engineers or sales leaders driving innovation firsthand—but we are the ones who help bring those innovators to Danaher.”
Matt Hicks
Director of Talent Acquisition, Commercial
Danaher
DBS: A game-changer in recruiting
For Matt, DBS has transformed the way he approaches recruiting. “Instead of relying on instinct or reacting to issues as they arise, I now approach challenges by identifying root causes and applying structured countermeasures,” he says. “Whatever DBS tool we use, the focus is always on building repeatable, scalable processes that drive better outcomes.”
He likens recruiting to a supply chain, with countless moving parts—from scheduling interviews to salary negotiations. “DBS provides a clear framework that helps our Talent Acquisition teams define inefficiencies, outline steps for improvement and engage the right tools to drive meaningful change.”
To those unfamiliar with DBS, Matt describes it as “both a toolset and a mindset.” He adds, “It’s a philosophy of always looking for ways to improve, not for improvement’s sake, but to drive meaningful impact for our company, our customers and ultimately the lives we impact.” DBS also creates a common language across functions and businesses, which Matt sees as “incredibly powerful in aligning teams and accelerating progress.”
Turning ideas into impact
Matt sees recruiting as a catalyst for innovation. “As recruiters, we’re not the scientists, engineers or sales leaders driving innovation firsthand—but we are the ones who help bring those innovators to Danaher,” he says.
“We absorb what matters most to our hiring leaders: their goals, their challenges and the kind of talent that will move their work forward,” he says. “Then we go out and find the right person—not just someone who checks the boxes, but someone who will thrive in the role, within their teams, and contribute meaningfully to Danaher’s mission.”
He adds, “Being part of that process—connecting people to purpose and helping build the teams that power life-changing technologies—is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being in recruitment at Danaher.”
What makes Danaher different
When speaking with job candidates, Matt highlights Danaher’s commitment to purpose, ethics and impact. “This is a company where the work truly matters,” he says. “You’re surrounded by people who care deeply about doing things the right way and making things better—for the business, for each other and for the communities we serve.”
He looks for candidates who are curious, resilient and proactive. “We value individuals who don’t just adapt to change but actively seek ways to improve processes and outcomes.”
His advice? “Approach the process with curiosity, clarity and a strong sense of purpose. Be authentic. We value different perspectives.”
Talent as the engine of innovation
Matt believes talent is central to Danaher’s future. “It’s the people behind the science, the technology, and the breakthroughs that make a real difference in the world,” he says. “We’re not just filling roles—we’re building teams that challenge the status quo, push boundaries and help us innovate faster and smarter.”
His work in Talent Acquisition is foundational to that mission. “We’re identifying and attracting individuals who bring not only technical expertise, but also the mindset and values that align with our culture of continuous improvement.”
Life beyond the office
Outside of work, Matt is passionate about travel and exploring new cultures. “It’s one of the ways I recharge and stay curious,” he shares. He’s also an avid cook who loves bringing people together over a great meal.
Married to his high school sweetheart for 27 years, Matt is a proud father to two grown children. “Spending time with my family is at the heart of what I value most,” he says.
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