Synlab Limited (‘Synlab’ or ‘the Group’), the largest European clinical laboratories company, today announces that Philippe Charrier, currently non-executive Chairman, will be leaving the Group on 1 April 2016 after more than five years at Labco SA (part of the new Synlab Group since October 2015) to pursue other business interests.

Synlab operates one of the largest networks of clinical laboratories across Europe following the combination of Synlab and Labco in 2015. Over the last five years, under the stewardship of Philippe Charrier as Chief Executive, Labco the medical laboratories firm, has generated revenue and EBITDA growth of more than 43% and 41% respectively and has achieved significant international expansion. This culminated in Labco being acquired by European private equity firm Cinven in August 2015 and the subsequent combination with Synlab in October 2015.

Following his departure from Synlab, Philippe Charrier intends to remain closely involved in healthcare-related businesses, in particular within the dental and optical sectors. He will continue as President and Founder of the Clubhouse France association and as a Director of UNAFAM (Union nationale de familles et amis de personnes malades) of which he was President from 2012 to 2015. He is also a founding member of the Association Entreprise et Handicap.

Etienne Couëlle, CEO France of Labco SA, will have responsibility for the Group’s relationships with public authorities in France effective from 1 April 2016.

Philippe Charrier commented: “I am very proud of Labco’s significant growth over the past five years, and would like to thank the Labco team who have worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm to achieve this. I wish the Synlab team great success in the future. I am convinced the business will go from strength to strength and will continue to provide a great service to patients, doctors and payors.”

Bartl Wimmer, Group CEO of Synlab added: “I would like to pay tribute to the central role Philippe Charrier has played in the transformation of Labco over the past few years. In particular, during and after the integration of Labco and Synlab, the Board and the Synlab team has benefitted considerably from his talent, vision and dedication. I wish him all the best in his new endeavours.”

Alex Leslie, Partner at Cinven and a Board member of Synlab, said: “I would like to thank Philippe Charrier for his achievement in growing a first class business – Labco – and in helping to create Synlab, now a European leader and the largest clinical laboratory services company in Europe. The integration of Labco and Synlab has got off to a great start, thanks in large part to Philippe’s oversight, laying the foundations for the future growth and development of the business. I am sure Philippe will have continued success in the healthcare sector in the future.”

Philippe Charrier graduated from HEC (Paris, 1978) and DECF (Paris, 1978), and initially joined Procter & Gamble in 1978, where he held various offices including CEO France and Group Vice President (1999-2006). In 2006, he became CEO of Oenobiol. After its successful growth across more than 15 markets, in December 2009 Philippe Charrier successfully sold the business to Sanofi-Aventis, where he remained for a year to supervise the transition. He joined Labco SA as CEO in December 2010. Philippe Charrier was awarded the Legion of honour (Juillet 2004) and appointed Officer of the National Order of Merit (2008) by the then Health Minister, Roselyne Bachelot.

Other directorships held by Phillipe Charrier: Director of Lafarge, Rally and Alphident.