WALTHAM, Mass.--Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, today announced that Peter M. Wilver, senior vice president and chief financial officer, has decided to retire, effective March 31, 2016. The company’s board of directors has elected Stephen Williamson, currently vice president of financial operations, as his successor, effective August 1, 2015. Williamson will report to Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher.
“Pete has done an incredible job as our CFO during a time of tremendous growth for the company”
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Wilver, age 55, has led Thermo Fisher’s global finance organization as CFO since 2004. He joined the company in 2000 as vice president of financial operations. Wilver will work with Williamson during the ensuing months to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities, and will remain an active member of the Company Leadership Team until his retirement in March 2016.
“Pete has done an incredible job as our CFO during a time of tremendous growth for the company,” said Casper. “He integrated our global financial operations to establish a robust financial analysis and reporting process, and put together a top-notch team. This created a foundation that allowed us to transform the company into the clear industry leader while maintaining a very strong balance sheet. During Pete’s tenure, Thermo Fisher’s market cap grew from $5 billion to approximately $50 billion today. He has played a key role in our success, and we’ve had a terrific partnership throughout his 15 years with the company. Pete’s many contributions will have a lasting positive impact on Thermo Fisher.”
Casper added, “Stephen was my finance leader when I ran the Analytical Technologies business, and we’ve been working together for the past 14 years. As a member of our Company Leadership Team, he has worked side-by-side with me and Pete, and has deep knowledge of our businesses around the world. He is a strong and visible leader, and well-respected across the company. I’m looking forward to partnering with Stephen to take Thermo Fisher to the next level as we continue to strengthen our position as the unrivaled industry leader.”
Wilver said, “When I look back on my career with Thermo Fisher, I am most proud of the finance team that we have built and the management systems that we have put in place. Stephen has been an integral part of those achievements. He has been a key business partner to me over the years and knows the company as well as I do, which is why he is the ideal choice to succeed me as CFO.”
Williamson, age 48, joined Thermo Fisher in July 2001 as vice president, European financial operations, based in the U.K., and subsequently served as the finance lead for the Informatics and Services, and Environmental Instruments businesses. He was named vice president of finance for Analytical Technologies in 2006, and two years later became vice president of financial operations for the company. Previously, Williamson held various finance leadership roles with AlliedSignal/Honeywell in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific. He began his career with Price Waterhouse in London and New York. Williamson holds a BA in accounting and finance from the University of Wales in the U.K. and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and approximately 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services – we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
