Danaher Corporation Welcomes Jonathan Leiken as New General Counsel in Leadership Transition
On July 31, 2025, Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR), a renowned innovator in the life sciences and diagnostics sectors, announced a significant appointment in its leadership team. Jonathan Leiken has been appointed as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective August 25, 2025. Leiken, who brings nearly three decades of substantial legal experience across various sectors, will directly report to President and CEO Rainer Blair, becoming a pivotal member of the Danaher Leadership Team.
Leiken takes over the position from Brian Ellis, who has served as Danaher's General Counsel for almost ten years. Under Ellis's stewardship, Danaher has seen tremendous transformation and growth, positioning itself as a leader in science and technology. Following his retirement from the legal role, Ellis will remain in an executive position until February 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition.
In discussing the appointment, Rainer Blair expressed confidence in Leiken’s capabilities. He stated, "Jon's extensive legal and leadership experience makes him an ideal fit for this role. His strategic thinking and collaborative style will enhance our ability to drive innovation and deliver value to our customers and stakeholders."
Blair also took a moment to recognize Ellis’s remarkable contributions to Danaher, noting, "Brian has played a crucial role in guiding Danaher through numerous transitions, including the acquisitions of Cepheid and Cytiva. His commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace has also left an indelible impact on our culture. We’re grateful for his service and pleased he will continue to support during this transition."
Prior to joining Danaher, Leiken held the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Dollar Tree, Inc., a Fortune 150 enterprise. His responsibilities there included managing corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and compliance initiatives. Before that, he served at Diebold Nixdorf, Inc., where he similarly oversaw legal affairs alongside leading intellectual property and ESG functions.
Leiken’s career is marked by notable achievements, including his time as a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he earned recognition for his performance. Additionally, his experience includes practicing as a partner at a leading global law firm, where he provided counsel to Fortune 500 companies on complex litigation and corporate strategy.
Leiken holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Brandeis University.
Danaher Corporation operates at the intersection of science and technology, striving to enhance human health through innovative solutions. The company collaborates closely with customers, addressing critical health challenges with its range of advanced diagnostics and life sciences technologies. With approximately 63,000 associates worldwide, Danaher is committed to fostering an environment of scientific excellence and continuous improvement. The leadership transition with Leiken at the helm of the legal department is seen as a strategic move that aligns with Danaher’s long-term mission of delivering significant value to its clients and stakeholders while nurturing a sustainable future.
As Danaher looks forward to the challenges ahead, the leadership changes are expected to bolster its position as a world leader in life sciences and diagnostics, underscoring its commitment to improving the quality of life for billions globally. For more information about Danaher and their innovative approaches, visit Danaher.com.
Leiken takes over the position from Brian Ellis, who has served as Danaher's General Counsel for almost ten years. Under Ellis's stewardship, Danaher has seen tremendous transformation and growth, positioning itself as a leader in science and technology. Following his retirement from the legal role, Ellis will remain in an executive position until February 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition.
In discussing the appointment, Rainer Blair expressed confidence in Leiken’s capabilities. He stated, "Jon's extensive legal and leadership experience makes him an ideal fit for this role. His strategic thinking and collaborative style will enhance our ability to drive innovation and deliver value to our customers and stakeholders."
Blair also took a moment to recognize Ellis’s remarkable contributions to Danaher, noting, "Brian has played a crucial role in guiding Danaher through numerous transitions, including the acquisitions of Cepheid and Cytiva. His commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace has also left an indelible impact on our culture. We’re grateful for his service and pleased he will continue to support during this transition."
Prior to joining Danaher, Leiken held the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Dollar Tree, Inc., a Fortune 150 enterprise. His responsibilities there included managing corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and compliance initiatives. Before that, he served at Diebold Nixdorf, Inc., where he similarly oversaw legal affairs alongside leading intellectual property and ESG functions.
Leiken’s career is marked by notable achievements, including his time as a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he earned recognition for his performance. Additionally, his experience includes practicing as a partner at a leading global law firm, where he provided counsel to Fortune 500 companies on complex litigation and corporate strategy.
Leiken holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Brandeis University.
Danaher Corporation operates at the intersection of science and technology, striving to enhance human health through innovative solutions. The company collaborates closely with customers, addressing critical health challenges with its range of advanced diagnostics and life sciences technologies. With approximately 63,000 associates worldwide, Danaher is committed to fostering an environment of scientific excellence and continuous improvement. The leadership transition with Leiken at the helm of the legal department is seen as a strategic move that aligns with Danaher’s long-term mission of delivering significant value to its clients and stakeholders while nurturing a sustainable future.
As Danaher looks forward to the challenges ahead, the leadership changes are expected to bolster its position as a world leader in life sciences and diagnostics, underscoring its commitment to improving the quality of life for billions globally. For more information about Danaher and their innovative approaches, visit Danaher.com.
Topics Business Technology）
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