Smith & Nephew boss Olivier Bohuon stays in charge despite cancer diagnosis

Medical-device maker Smith & Nephew said its chief executive, Olivier Bohuon, has been diagnosed with a “highly treatable form of cancer”, but will remain at the helm through much of his treatment.

Bohuon, who has been boss of the FTSE 100 company since 2011, will “remain actively involved in running the company”, Smith & Nephew added.

His treatment, which will include chemotherapy, will begin later this month and is expected to be completed by the autumn.

The company’s chairman, Roberto Quarta, will provide executive oversight if required as part of procedures approved by the board.

Quarta said: “Olivier has set a clear strategy that is invigorating Smith & Nephew’s growth profile. I am confident that Olivier and his team will continue to execute the plan successfully.”

The news comes ahead of the artificial hip-maker unveiling its full-year results on Thursday. Bohoun is due to present them as normal.

Smith & Nephew was recently subject to renewed speculation that it was a US bid target in December, with talk that rival Stryker had offered about $18 billion (£12.6 billion) for the firm.

Its shares dipped 4p to 1158p.