Danaher names Julie Sawyer Montgomery as CEO, Blair to retire

Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced that its board of directors has appointed Julie Sawyer Montgomery as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. She will also join the board of directors on that date.

Current CEO Rainer Blair will retire on October 1 and serve as a senior advisor through March 31, 2027.

Sawyer Montgomery joined Danaher in 2017 at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, where she led commercial operations and research and development before becoming President in 2020. She most recently served as Executive Vice President of Danaher, overseeing the company's Diagnostics platform. She brings nearly 25 years of experience across healthcare, commercial operations, and R&D.

During her tenure, Danaher's Diagnostics platform grew from approximately $6.0 billion in revenue in 2017 to approximately $11.0 billion, while operating profit roughly tripled, according to the company's statement.

"I am honored to lead Danaher into its next chapter and want to thank Rainer for his leadership," Sawyer Montgomery said in the announcement.

Steven Rales, Chairman of the Board, cited Sawyer Montgomery's role in overseeing acquisitions including Masimo and the pending acquisition of StatLab.

Blair has served as President and CEO for approximately six years. "I retire with great pride in all we have accomplished together and complete confidence in Danaher's future under Julie's leadership," he said.

Danaher also announced special equity incentive awards for key leadership members and founders in conjunction with the appointment. The company stated there is no change to its previously communicated third-quarter and full-year 2026 financial guidance.

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