Press room

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (January 20, 2026) — Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, has been named the Overall Winner in the Individual category of the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards, recognizing visionary leaders who are redefining industries through bold innovation and meaningful impact.

The honor follows the global launch of the groundbreaking new flagship product line, Omega AI, Starkey’s most advanced hearing technology to date. Introduced in October 2025, Omega AI marked a defining moment for the company, becoming the most successful product launch in Starkey’s history and driving the strongest business performance the company has ever achieved. Designed to outperform all industry standards for sound quality, durability, and connectivity, Omega AI transforms hearing aids from single-purpose devices into powerful, AI-driven health and wellness tools.

“True innovation happens when you put people at the center of everything you build,” said Sawalich. “That philosophy guides Starkey’s leadership in the hearing industry, where we continue to raise the bar by creating technology that improves health, strengthens human connection, and enhances quality of life.”

Under Sawalich’s leadership, Starkey has consistently delivered industry-first breakthroughs, including integrated sensors, artificial intelligence, health monitoring, fall detection, balance assessment, and real-time language translation. Omega AI builds on that legacy with the world’s first deep neural network–powered directionality system, exceptional sound performance in complex environments, industry-leading battery life, and a waterproof design, setting a new benchmark for hearing innovation.

With more than 30 years in the hearing industry, Sawalich began his career at Starkey in 1994 and has led teams across marketing, sales, and customer service before becoming President and CEO. He also serves as Board Chair of the Hearing Industries Association, working with policymakers to improve accessibility and affordability of hearing healthcare worldwide.

The BIG Innovation Awards, presented by the Business Intelligence Group, celebrate those who are pushing boundaries and setting new standards across industries. Sawalich’s recognition underscores Starkey’s role in shaping the future of hearing health, and accelerating what’s possible when innovation, purpose, and leadership come together.

About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at starkey.com.