Julie Sawyer Montgomery Named Danaher President and CEO

Danaher will begin a new chapter in October 2026, when Julie Sawyer Montgomery takes the helm as CEO of the global life sciences and diagnostics company.

Rainer Blair, who has served as CEO since 2020, will retire from the role and continue supporting the transition as a senior advisor until 31 March 2027.

Commenting on Danaher’s leadership change, Steven Rales, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Danaher, says, "We are at a uniquely opportune moment for Danaher, with untapped potential to accelerate growth across the enterprise. Julie has the vision, experience, and proven track record to deliver on that potential.

“I am confident she will lead our Company into its next phase of growth and value creation with a demonstrated commitment to innovation, commercial excellence and operational rigour, all grounded in strategy.”

Danaher reaffirmed its Q3 and full-year 2026 guidance as part of the leadership change announcement. 

An experienced executive

Julie brings nearly 25 years of experience across healthcare, commercial operations and R&D to the role. 

She joined Danaher in 2017 at the firm’s Beckman Coulter Diagnostics division, where she led commercial operations and R&D before becoming President in 2020. 

Since then, she has held roles at Danaher of increasing seniority, and since 2023 served as Executive Vice President of Danaher, with responsibility for the company’s Diagnostics business. 

During her tenure, the Diagnostics division nearly doubled its annual revenue, growing from approximately US$6 billion in 2017 to around US$11 billion, while operating profit roughly tripled. 

“I am honoured to lead Danaher into its next chapter and want to thank Rainer for his leadership. Danaher's global portfolio has tremendous potential with differentiated positions in some of the most attractive life sciences and diagnostics market segments,” says Julie.

“We have the opportunity to unleash the full power of Danaher as we accelerate innovation, enhance our business capabilities, and more effectively leverage the Danaher Business System across our businesses.”

Outgoing CEO

Since becoming CEO in 2020, Rainer Blair has steered Danaher through the post-pandemic transformation of the healthcare market while reinforcing its position as a global life sciences leader.

He has overseen major deals, including the US$5.7bn acquisition of Abcam in December 2023, to expand the company's diagnostics, biotechnology and patient monitoring capabilities. 

Under his leadership, Danaher continued to invest heavily in research and development, maintained strong cash generation despite softer demand following the COVID-19 testing boom and advanced its long-term acquisition-led growth strategy through the Danaher Business System. 

Danaher & Masimo

Julie also played a key role in Danaher's acquisition of patient monitoring company Masimo, which was completed in June 2026.

Following the acquisition, Masimo also entered a new chapter under fresh leadership. 

On 3 August 2026, Tim Benner was appointed President of Masimo, taking the helm as the business enters its next chapter as a Danaher company.

Welcoming Benner to the role, Julie says: "Tim is a strong and experienced Masimo leader and has played an integral role in positioning the company for long-term success.

"His strategic leadership, deep understanding of customers and commitment to innovation make him the right leader for Masimo's next chapter as a Danaher company."