Oxford Nanopore names Francis Van Parys as CEO, set to assume the role on 2 March 2026, steering the company toward its next phase of growth and global expansion.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies has announced a major leadership transition that will shape its trajectory for the coming decade. The company confirmed that Francis Van Parys will take over as Chief Executive Officer on 2 March 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on global expansion, commercial maturity, and strengthened operational discipline. The appointment underscores Oxford Nanopore’s intention to accelerate the worldwide adoption of its molecular-sensing and nanopore-based sequencing technologies—innovations that have increasingly transformed scientific research, healthcare decision-making, and real-time biological analysis.

The leadership shift also signals a structural evolution within the organization. Gordon Sanghera, the company’s co-founder and longtime CEO, will officially step down from the board once Van Parys assumes the role. However, Sanghera will continue to support the company through early 2027 as a senior advisor, ensuring continuity and a smooth handover between founder-led innovation and the next phase of global scale-up. This thoughtful transition plan reflects the company’s commitment to steady governance and long-term strategic planning during a pivotal period in the life sciences sector.

Why the Leadership Change Marks a Strategic Milestone

Oxford Nanopore’s decision to bring in a seasoned global executive represents more than a routine succession—it highlights the company’s readiness to evolve from a pioneering disruptor into a high-growth, multinational enterprise. Over the past decade, Oxford Nanopore has become a breakthrough force in sequencing technology, carving out a unique place in the market with its portable, real-time, and highly scalable nanopore sequencing systems. With demand rising across clinical, research, industrial, environmental, and academic settings, the company is preparing for broader adoption and more complex operational challenges.

This is where Francis Van Parys’s two decades of leadership experience in global life sciences becomes particularly relevant. The board notes that Van Parys brings rare expertise in scaling innovation-driven organizations, managing regulatory complexity across continents, and executing growth strategies that align technology advancement with strong commercial performance. His background, especially within Danaher Corporation—one of the world’s most respected life sciences conglomerates—positions him to guide Oxford Nanopore through the next era of structured expansion.

The appointment also indicates a shift toward enhanced operational maturity. As the company enters new markets, navigates evolving regulatory frameworks, and strengthens its commercial pipeline, the need for a leader equipped with enterprise-level operational and financial insight becomes increasingly essential. Van Parys’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh balance of innovation, discipline, and global perspective, complementing the visionary foundation established by Sanghera.

A Look at Francis Van Parys’s Track Record and Leadership Style

Currently serving as President and CEO of Radiometer, a leading provider of acute-care diagnostics within Danaher Corporation, Francis Van Parys has built a distinguished international career rooted in healthcare innovation, global operations, and organizational transformation.

During his tenure at Radiometer, Van Parys led efforts to enhance product accessibility, expand global presence, and strengthen the company’s position in acute-care diagnostics. His leadership was characterized by an emphasis on customer-centric solutions, digital transformation, and integrating operational excellence frameworks—a core component of the Danaher Business System.

Before Radiometer, Van Parys held senior leadership roles at Cytiva and GE Healthcare, where he led high-performing teams across North America, Europe, and Asia. These roles exposed him to diverse regulatory landscapes, competitive healthcare markets, and multinational operational models—experiences directly relevant to Oxford Nanopore’s ambitions.

The Oxford Nanopore board has highlighted several qualities that make Van Parys an ideal leader for the next phase:

• Extensive global operational experience, enabling the company to scale efficiently and sustainably.

• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, crucial for a technology company expanding into clinical and diagnostic markets.

• Proven expertise in commercialization, essential for translating scientific innovation into market-leading products.

• Experience managing large, diverse teams, aligning with Oxford Nanopore’s growing international workforce.

• Ability to drive innovation within structured systems, striking the right balance for a company transitioning from founder-led agility to enterprise-scale stability.

Reflecting on his upcoming role, Van Parys stated that he is “excited to join Oxford Nanopore at such an important stage in its journey,” praising the company’s differentiated nanopore-based sensing platform, its fast-growing global user community, and the substantial market opportunity ahead. His remarks signal enthusiasm not only for the company’s technological strengths but also for its mission to democratize access to biological information.

A Smooth Transition Supported by Founder-Guided Continuity

Oxford Nanopore’s leadership transition is designed to maintain stability while welcoming new strategic direction. Gordon Sanghera, who co-founded the company and played a central role in transforming nanopore sequencing from a groundbreaking idea into a globally recognized technology platform, will continue to contribute in an advisory capacity.

His involvement through early 2027 ensures that the company retains institutional knowledge, scientific insight, and continuity of vision during the handover period. This dual-leadership approach—fresh executive leadership combined with founder oversight—gives Oxford Nanopore the advantage of innovation continuity paired with operational expansion.

Such transitions, when managed deliberately, are often associated with stronger investor confidence, stable product development cycles, and improved organizational alignment. Oxford Nanopore appears committed to making this a model transition, balancing legacy leadership with future-focused strategy.

Implications of the Change for Oxford Nanopore and the Broader Life Sciences Sector

1. Accelerated Global Expansion

With Van Parys at the helm, Oxford Nanopore is expected to intensify its international footprint. His expertise in global operations, combined with deep insights into regulatory processes across multiple markets, will be crucial as the company continues expanding into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and emerging regions. Such growth aligns with the increasing demand for decentralized, real-time sequencing solutions across healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental monitoring.

2. Stronger Focus on Commercialization

Oxford Nanopore has earned recognition for its innovative technologies, but its next phase requires translating that innovation into widespread commercial adoption. Van Parys’s track record in scaling product lines, optimizing commercial operations, and strengthening customer engagement positions the company to shift decisively toward revenue acceleration and broader market penetration.

3. Enhanced Operational Discipline and Organizational Maturity

As a company expands globally, operational consistency, quality assurance, and streamlined processes become critical. Van Parys’s leadership style—rooted in the disciplined frameworks of the Danaher Business System—can help Oxford Nanopore enhance its global operating model, establish robust quality and regulatory systems, and deliver consistent customer experiences across every region.

4. Continued Innovation with Founder Support

Innovation remains central to Oxford Nanopore’s DNA. Retaining Sanghera as an advisor ensures that the company’s scientific vision and culture remain strong while the organization evolves operationally. The combination of visionary science and structured global leadership could become a competitive advantage as the company scales.

5. Increased Confidence for Investors and Industry Stakeholders

The appointment of a seasoned life sciences executive often signals organizational readiness for accelerated growth, potential expansion into new clinical markets, and enhanced financial discipline. Investors may view this leadership transition as a sign that Oxford Nanopore intends to solidify its position in the global sequencing landscape, expand commercial offerings, and strengthen long-term value creation.

A Defining Moment for Oxford Nanopore’s Next Chapter

Oxford Nanopore’s announcement marks an important turning point for the company and its role in the global scientific ecosystem. The appointment of Francis Van Parys reflects the company’s ambition to evolve from a pioneering technology innovator into a large-scale global player. With a strong foundation of scientific leadership, a growing global customer community, and a rising demand for advanced molecular-sensing solutions, Oxford Nanopore is poised for an era of rapid expansion and market influence.

The combined strengths of outgoing CEO Gordon Sanghera’s vision and incoming CEO Francis Van Parys’s operational expertise provide Oxford Nanopore with a balanced leadership structure that supports both innovation and commercial growth. As the life sciences sector continues to evolve—driven by real-time data, portable technologies, and democratized genomic access—Oxford Nanopore’s leadership transition positions it strongly to shape the future of biological analysis.

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