Avantor Announces CFO Resignation, Appoints Interim CFO Amid Revival Program

AVTR
April 01, 2026

R. Brent Jones, Avantor’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will leave the company on or before June 24 2026 after notifying the board on March 26. Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer Steve Eck will serve as interim CFO until a permanent replacement is named.

Jones has overseen Avantor’s financial reporting and internal controls since 2019. His departure follows a 90‑day notice period and is part of a broader leadership transition that includes a recent CEO change and board refresh. Eck, who has been CAO since 2019, brings deep familiarity with Avantor’s accounting and finance functions, positioning the company to maintain continuity during the transition.

In its fourth‑quarter 2025 earnings call, Avantor reported revenue of $1.66 billion, beating the $1.64 billion consensus by $20 million, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.22 versus the $0.21 estimate, a $0.01 beat. The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting organic revenue growth of –2.5 % to –0.5 % and an EBITDA margin contraction of up to 150 basis points. The guidance reflects management’s confidence in maintaining profitability while navigating margin pressure and a challenging macro environment.

Avantor’s “Avantor Revival” program, launched in Q3 2025, reorganizes the business into two units—VWR Distribution & Services and Bioscience & Med Tech Products—and invests in digital capabilities and e‑commerce. The program is described as a transition and investment year, aiming to strengthen financial governance and support strategic initiatives. The CFO transition occurs as the company continues to execute this turnaround plan, with interim leadership expected to keep the revival momentum steady.

Analysts have noted concerns about the company’s turnaround timeline and the projected margin contraction, highlighting the need for disciplined cost management and execution of the revival strategy. The CFO change underscores the importance of robust financial governance as Avantor seeks to navigate a period of investment and restructuring while maintaining shareholder value.

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