Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a Raritan-based in vitro diagnostics company, announced Tuesday it has a new CEO.
The company’s board of directors said it has appointed Chris Smith to serve at the helm of the organization, effective Sept. 9.
“I am delighted to lead Ortho as its next CEO,” Smith said. “This is an exciting time for the company and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of professionals around the world. I look forward to building upon Ortho’s rich history of customer-focused innovation while taking the business to its next chapter of growth as a global diagnostics leader.”
Smith is succeeding Robert Yates, who is stepping down as CEO. Yates will continue to serve as a non-executive chairman and member of the board. He will also continue in his role as senior advisor to The Carlyle Group.
“It has been an honor to serve as Ortho’s CEO,” Yates said. “Ortho is strongly positioned for sustainable and predictable growth, with more efficient operations and talented next-generation leaders. I am excited that we were able to recruit Chris who brings the executive leadership, experience and capabilities to continue Ortho’s transformation and value creation.”
Prior to Ortho Clinical, Smith was CEO of Cochlear Ltd. from 2015 to 2018. He also served as president of Cochlear Americas for more than a decade. Before that, he held several senior-level roles including CEO in residence for Warburg Pincus and global group president of Gyrus Group Plc.
Smith currently serves on the board of directors at Results Physiotherapy, Nyxoah and Akouos.
