Avantor Announces Board Chairman Transition
On October 13, 2025, Avantor, Inc. (NYSE: AVTR), a global leader in providing essential products and services to the life sciences and advanced technology sectors, revealed a significant leadership change. Starting January 1, 2026, Gregory L. Summe, currently an independent director on the Board, will take over as Chairman, succeeding Jonathan Peacock who concludes his term at the end of 2025 after nearly nine years of dedicated service.
Gregory L. Summe is not new to the challenges and responsibilities that come with leadership roles; since joining Avantor's Board in 2020, he has demonstrated his commitment as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee while also contributing as a member of the Compensation Committee. His extensive experience, particularly as a former CEO and a Board member in the Tools and Life Sciences sector, positions him well to lead Avantor into a new phase of growth and innovation.
In his statement regarding the transition, Jonathan Peacock expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Chairman. He acknowledged the team’s efforts during a critical period of transition, particularly the onboarding of Emmanuel Ligner as the new CEO. Peacock commented, “It has been a privilege to serve as Avantor's Chairman and to work alongside my Board colleagues. With the addition of Greg Lucier to our Board, this is the opportune moment for fresh leadership to oversee Avantor's progression.”
Peacock conveyed his confidence in the current Board members who bring diverse expertise and leadership. He stated, “I am confident that with their guidance and Emmanuel's leadership, Avantor will realize its potential and deliver strong shareholder returns.”
Transitioning to his new role, Summe shared his excitement about leading the Board, stating, “Having served on the Board for the past five years, I have witnessed firsthand the talent across Avantor. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members, Emmanuel, and the entire leadership team as we continue executing our strategy to achieve growth and profitability.”
As Avantor courses into this new chapter, it aims to enhance its offerings and solidify its status as a pioneer in the life sciences market. Through its mission-critical products and services, Avantor supports critical research and production activities at over 300,000 customer locations in 180 countries, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare and technology.
In conclusion, Avantor's leadership transition underscores its commitment to strategic growth and innovation. With esteemed leaders at the helm—both experienced and visionary—the company is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Stakeholders can keep an eye on Avantor as it embarks on this journey, ensuring robust returns for the communities and investors involved.
For continual updates about Avantor and its offerings, visit
avantorsciences.com and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and Facebook.