Founding Family
OUR ROOTS Three Generations of Medical Technology Built on Responsibility
Since our founding in 1945, our history has been inseparably linked with the name Storz—a family whose dedication, innovative spirit, and entrepreneurial responsibility have set standards across generations. What began with great passion and a bold vision in a small workshop in Tuttlingen has grown into a global leader in medical technology. Get to know the people who shaped this development—and whose values continue to form the foundation of our success today
Dr. med. h. c. Karl Storz Visionary and Founder
In 1945, Karl Storz founded our company in Tuttlingen, which still bears his name today. With craftsmanship, technical curiosity, and a clear vision, he initially developed instruments for ear, nose, and throat medicine. Early on, he recognized how essential good illumination and clear visibility are for medical diagnostics.
His pioneering spirit was especially evident in the development of the cold light source and his close collaboration with physicist Harold H. Hopkins. The combination of cold light and rod-lens technology revolutionized medical imaging and remains the foundation of modern endoscopy, enabling minimally invasive treatments. What consistently drove him in his work was direct exchange with physicians and his uncompromising commitment to quality. Precision, responsibility, and progress continue to be our guiding principles today.
We keep improving and perfecting each product. Any product, any solution we develop is like a child for whom we do everything possible so that it will realize its full potential.
Dr. h. c. mult. Sybill Storz Pioneer of Global Success
In the late 1950s, his daughter Sybill Storz joined the family business and set the course early on for an international future. With personal dedication, an unfailing sense for emerging trends, and remarkable technical expertise, she expanded our global sales network and played a decisive role in shaping our worldwide growth.
After the death of her father, Sybill Storz took over the management of the company in 1996 and led it into a new era until 2018 with continuity, responsibility, and a strong set of values. She then became Chair of our Supervisory Board. She had a remarkable ability to combine international perspective with deep local roots, and she remained committed to supporting medical projects in developing and emerging countries throughout her life. Her foresight, determination, and uncompromising commitment to quality continue to set the standard for our actions, even after her passing at the end of 2025.
Technological milestones and the dialog with physicians will continue to be our foundation in the future, so that people worldwide can benefit from minimally invasive surgical methods.
Karl-Christian Storz Innovation with Vision
Since 2019, Karl‑Christian Storz has been leading our company in its third generation. With a background in physics, he brings technical expertise, international experience, and a clear focus on future‑oriented topics. At the center of his work is a commitment to advancing our development as an independent family‑owned company—with a strong emphasis on digitalization, user‑centric solutions, and sustainable growth.
Under his leadership, technological innovations in areas such as robot-assisted surgery, artificial intelligence, and integrated digital solutions are being advanced—always with people at the center. He stands for an open, collaborative leadership style and pursues a clear goal: to sustainably improve medical care for patients worldwide and to make MedTech innovations responsibly accessible.
