Tecan appoints new chief executive officer

Tecan has announced the appointment of Dr David Martyr as its new chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding the outgoing Thomas Bachmann.

Dr Martyr will join the life science company as soon as his current contractual obligations permit but no later than October 8th 2012, while Mr Bachmann will vacate his position immediately.

The new CEO has extensive experience in technology business leadership, having acted most recently as group president of Leica Microsystems and vice-president of Danaher Corporation.

Until Dr Martyr is able to assume his position, long-time board member Gerard Vaillant will take up the role of acting CEO.

Rolf Classon, chairman of Tecan's board, said: "David has extensive knowledge and experience in sales, marketing and business development within the life sciences sector and we are convinced that under his leadership Tecan will continue to generate accelerated profitable growth."

Tecan has been considering its succession plan for Mr Bachmann since October 2011, with the outgoing CEO having been credited with reversing the fortunes of the organisation since taking the reins in 2005.