UK—Specac, Ltd., an Ampersand Capital Partners portfolio company and a global designer and manufacturer of spectroscopy accessories and sample prep solutions, has announced that Mark Dearden has been appointed to its Board of Directors as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2024.

Mark Dearden is a seasoned international executive with over 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry, demonstrating a strong dedication to scientific innovation and impactful outcomes.

His extensive background and leadership skills make him a valuable addition to Specac’s executive team.

In 2011, upon joining the LGC Group, Mr. Dearden initially served as Vice President of Strategy and Marketing for the Genomics Division.

His exemplary performance and strategic vision led to his appointment as the division’s Managing Director in July 2020.

During his tenure, he significantly contributed to the division’s growth and success.

Prior to his accomplishments at LGC, Mr. Dearden held various international leadership positions in general management, marketing, product management, and sales with several leading life sciences companies. These included Amersham Biosciences, GE Healthcare, and Thermo Electron.

His extensive experience across different facets of the industry has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the market and its evolving needs.

Mr. Dearden holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors from the University of Sydney and an MBA from Warwick Business School, further highlighting his academic and professional credentials.

In accepting his appointment as CEO of Specac, Mr. Dearden expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the teams at Specac and its recently acquired Harrick division.

 He emphasized the tremendous opportunities the combined company offers to build on its strong product portfolio, global distribution reach, and loyal customer base.

He also highlighted his excitement about leading the company through its next growth phase by leveraging these strengths and accelerating product innovation.

For his part, Dave Patteson, an Ampersand Partner, shared his optimism about Mr. Dearden’s appointment, noting that Mark will bring substantial global experience from the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and applied research market sectors.

He further stated that as a seasoned executive, the company is excited about the contributions Mark will make as CEO.

Patteson emphasized that Mark’s leadership is expected to drive Specac’s ambitious growth strategy and create value for all its stakeholders.

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