Azenta, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZTA) filed a Form 8-K on August 24, 2026, reporting that President and Chief Executive Officer John P. Marotta resigned effective August 22, 2026, and that the Board elected Dr. Martin D. Madaus as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer on the same date.

Key Highlights

  • CEO resignation: John P. Marotta resigned as President and CEO and as a Board member, effective August 22, 2026.
  • No disagreement cited: The filing states Marotta's resignation "was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices."
  • Board size reduced: The Board reduced its size from nine to eight members following Marotta's departure.
  • Interim CEO appointed: Dr. Martin D. Madaus was elected Interim President and CEO effective August 22, 2026, and also assumed the role of principal executive officer for SEC reporting purposes.
  • Madaus committee role paused: During his interim executive tenure, Dr. Madaus will step down as Chair and member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
  • Compensation under review: The company disclosed it "is reviewing Dr. Madaus' compensation" and expects to provide additional compensation commensurate with his new duties.

Leadership Transition at Azenta: Marotta Out, Madaus Steps In

According to the filing, John P. Marotta's resignation as President, CEO, and Board member took effect on August 22, 2026. The Board simultaneously reduced its membership from nine to eight directors. The filing explicitly states that Marotta's departure was not related to any disagreement with the company over its operations, policies, or practices.

The Board elected Dr. Martin D. Madaus to serve as Interim President and CEO effective the same date. The filing notes that Dr. Madaus, age 66, has served as a Board member since January 2024 and previously chaired the Nominating and Governance Committee. He currently serves as a Senior Operating Executive at the Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CG), described in the filing as "a global investment firm with $485 billion in assets under management." The filing also notes Dr. Madaus' prior executive roles, including Chairman, President and CEO of Millipore Corporation, where he led its sale to Merck KGaA for $7.2 billion, and his leadership of the $4.2 billion leveraged buyout of Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. He also previously served as President and CEO, N.A. of Roche Diagnostics Corp.

The filing states there is no arrangement or understanding between Dr. Madaus and any other person regarding his selection, and confirms no reportable family relationships or related-party transactions. Dr. Madaus holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from the Tierarztliche Hochschule Hannover, according to the filing. His compensation in the interim role had not been finalized as of the filing date.

What Was Disclosed

Azenta disclosed the resignation of its President and CEO and a Board member on August 22, 2026, the appointment of a current Board member as Interim CEO on the same date, a reduction in Board size from nine to eight, and that interim compensation terms were still under review.