Boston, February 18, 2026
Charles River Laboratories announces significant leadership shifts, appointing Glenn G. Coleman as CFO and Kerry Dailey as CLO, with a planned CEO transition. These changes are pivotal for the life sciences sector in Boston, highlighting the region’s commitment to innovation and growth in the biotechnology industry.
Boston’s Biotech Leadership Sees Strategic Shifts at Charles River Laboratories
Boston’s vibrant business landscape, a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, continues to evolve. In a region where groundbreaking advancements are a daily occurrence, the strategic leadership decisions within major companies like Charles River Laboratories International Inc. (NYSE: CRL) play a crucial role in shaping the economic trajectory. These executive changes reflect a dynamic approach to fostering growth and navigating an increasingly complex global environment, underscoring the resilience and forward-thinking nature that define Massachusetts entrepreneurs and the broader Boston MA business ecosystem.
The ability of large enterprises to attract top talent and strategically adjust their leadership teams is a testament to the robust economic environment that thrives on innovation and efficiency. Such transitions often pave the way for fresh perspectives and renewed commitment to operational excellence, ultimately benefiting shareholders, employees, and the local economy. In an industry as vital as life sciences, these leadership shifts at a prominent player like Charles River Laboratories are particularly noteworthy.
New Faces in Key Leadership Roles
Charles River Laboratories International Inc., a global provider of drug discovery and development services, recently announced significant appointments to its C-suite. Glenn G. Coleman has been named the company’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO), joining on April 6, 2026. Coleman brings a wealth of experience, having most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Premier Inc., a $1 billion healthcare services business, since 2024. His extensive background, which includes over 30 years of financial and operational management experience with more than a decade in healthcare sector leadership roles, is expected to enhance Charles River’s financial strategies and operational efficiency. He previously held CFO positions at two public companies, DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. from 2022 to 2024 and Integra Life Sciences Holdings Corporation from 2014 to 2022, where he also served as Chief Operating Officer from 2019 to 2022.
In another key executive appointment, Charles River Laboratories named Kerry Dailey as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO), a newly created position, effective March 30, 2026. Dailey will lead the Global Legal function, overseeing legal, compliance, corporate communications, government relations, security, and global ESG functions. She brings 25 years of legal experience, with deep expertise advising multinational life science companies across complex regulatory environments. Prior to joining Charles River, Dailey spent over a decade at Alcon Inc., where she held various roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Vice President, Legal and Assistant Corporate Secretary.
Anticipating a Planned CEO Transition
These appointments follow the previously announced plan for James C. Foster, the current Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Laboratories, to retire, effective May 5, 2026, at the conclusion of the company’s annual meeting of shareholders. Foster has had a distinguished career spanning 50 years at Charles River, including more than 30 years as CEO. Birgit Girshick, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Foster as CEO. This succession plan is designed to ensure long-term continuity, stability, and strategic alignment, separating the Chair and CEO roles to align with best practices for corporate governance and oversight.
Boston’s Enduring Life Sciences Powerhouse
These leadership changes at Charles River Laboratories are set against the backdrop of Boston’s thriving life sciences sector, which continues to be a driving force for the Massachusetts economy. The greater Boston area, encompassing Boston and Cambridge, is recognized as a leading U.S. and global hub for biotechnology, hosting over 1,000 biotechnology companies, from startups to major pharmaceutical corporations. The region’s robust ecosystem is supported by its concentration of academic institutions, a vast network of scientists, and consistent investment. In 2026, Massachusetts continues to lead the U.S. biotech industry with strong hiring demand, consistent investment, and one of the most active clinical pipelines in the country.
The life sciences industry in Massachusetts has demonstrated significant growth. From 2008 to 2020, the Greater Boston biotechnology industry workforce expanded by approximately 55%, from 54,000 to 84,000 workers. By 2022, this workforce continued to grow to approximately 114,000. While job growth in Massachusetts’ life sciences sector was largely stagnant in 2024, increasing by only 0.03%, the industry is projected to grow by 11.6% by 2029, adding an estimated 16,633 net new jobs. This robust growth underscores the strategic importance of companies like Charles River Laboratories to the region’s economic health and its ability to attract and retain top talent.
Strengthening Governance and Strategic Direction
The appointments of a new CFO and a newly created Chief Legal Officer, alongside a planned CEO transition, signal Charles River Laboratories’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team and strategic direction. Glenn Coleman’s expertise in financial and operational management is expected to contribute to maximizing financial performance and maintaining a disciplined approach to capital deployment, including mergers and acquisitions, while efficiently managing costs and developing transformative strategies. Kerry Dailey’s role as Chief Legal Officer, overseeing legal, compliance, and other key functions, is intended to proactively manage the company’s highly regulated, science-led organization. This integrated approach to governance and strategy is crucial for a company operating in the complex and rapidly evolving life sciences sector.
These executive shifts highlight a dedication to strong corporate governance, which can enhance investor confidence and provide a stable foundation for continued innovation. For Boston small business enterprises and larger corporations alike, clear leadership and strategic planning are essential for navigating market dynamics and fostering sustainable growth. The proactive management of leadership succession and the recruitment of seasoned professionals demonstrate a commitment to long-term success, a characteristic often observed in thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.
A Positive Outlook for Continued Growth
The changes at Charles River Laboratories exemplify the dynamic nature of the Boston MA business environment. By bringing in experienced leaders and preparing for a smooth CEO transition, the company is positioning itself for continued growth and innovation. This focus on leadership and strategic alignment is a positive indicator for the broader Massachusetts economy, reinforcing the state’s standing as a global leader in life sciences. The consistent evolution and adaptation seen in companies like Charles River Laboratories are key drivers of job creation and economic prosperity in the region, showcasing the enduring strength of Massachusetts entrepreneurs and the thriving business community they support.
As Boston continues to serve as a hub of innovation, the strategic decisions made by its leading companies will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s ongoing economic vitality. Supporting a business environment that encourages such calculated leadership transitions and investments in top-tier talent is paramount for sustaining this growth. We encourage our readers to remain engaged with the progress of local businesses and consider the profound impact of robust corporate leadership on our shared economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the recent C-suite changes at Charles River Laboratories?
- Charles River Laboratories International Inc. named Glenn G. Coleman as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 6, 2026. Additionally, Kerry Dailey was named as the new Chief Legal Officer (CLO), effective March 30, 2026, a newly created position.
- Who is the new Chief Financial Officer at Charles River Laboratories?
- Glenn G. Coleman is the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Charles River Laboratories International Inc., joining the company on April 6, 2026.
- What is Glenn Coleman’s professional background?
- Glenn Coleman has over 30 years of financial and operational management experience, including more than a decade in senior leadership roles within the healthcare sector. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Premier Inc., a $1 billion healthcare services business, since 2024. He also held CFO positions at DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. from 2022 to 2024 and Integra Life Sciences Holdings Corporation from 2014 to 2022.
- Who is the new Chief Legal Officer at Charles River Laboratories?
- Kerry Dailey is the new Chief Legal Officer (CLO) at Charles River Laboratories, joining the company on March 30, 2026.
- What is Kerry Dailey’s professional background?
- Kerry Dailey brings 25 years of legal experience, with expertise advising multinational life science companies across complex regulatory environments. She joins Charles River from Alcon Inc., where she spent over a decade, most recently serving as Vice President, Legal and Assistant Corporate Secretary.
- Is there a change in the CEO position at Charles River Laboratories?
- Yes, James C. Foster, the current Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Charles River Laboratories, plans to retire, effective May 5, 2026. Birgit Girshick, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed him as CEO.
- How does Boston’s life sciences sector contribute to the economy?
- Boston’s life sciences sector is a significant economic driver. The greater Boston area is a leading hub for biotechnology, hosting over 1,000 biotechnology companies. The workforce in this industry in Greater Boston grew from approximately 54,000 in 2008 to 114,000 in 2022. While job growth in Massachusetts’ life sciences sector was largely stagnant in 2024, it is projected to grow by 11.6% by 2029, adding an estimated 16,633 net new jobs.
Key Features of Charles River Laboratories’ Executive Transitions
| Role | Individual Appointed/Transitioning | Effective Date | Key Background/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Glenn G. Coleman | April 6, 2026 | Over 30 years of financial and operational management experience; previously CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of Premier Inc., a $1 billion healthcare services business since 2024. |
| Chief Legal Officer (CLO) | Kerry Dailey | March 30, 2026 | Newly created position; 25 years of legal experience, specializing in multinational life science companies; previously Vice President, Legal and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Alcon Inc. |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | James C. Foster (retiring) | May 5, 2026 | Current Chair, President, and CEO; plans to retire after 50 years with the company, including over 30 years as CEO. |
| Incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Birgit Girshick | May 5, 2026 | Current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; will succeed James C. Foster. |
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