KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- The Chairman, CEO and President of Stryker Corporation has suddenly resigned. Stephen MacMillan’s resignation is effective immediately.  The press release cites 'family reasons' without elaborating.

The abrupt resignation of the 48-year old chief executive sent the company’s stock down 1.4% in after hours trading.  Stryker has continued to enjoy annual growth despite the recession and had reported a 36% increase in 4^th quarter earnings just last week.

CFO Curt Hartman will serve as interim CEO and William Parfet will act as nonexecutive chairman, while the board searches for a permanent replacement.