Accuri Cytometers, a life sciences company marketing bench-top flow cytometer systems, has reported that its co-founder and CEO, Jennifer Baird has resigned and will be replaced by Jeffrey Williams, recent president and CEO of HandyLab, a molecular diagnostics company acquired by Becton Dickinson in November 2009.

Prior to HandyLab, Mr. Williams has been president and chief executive officer of Genomic Solutions, an Ann Arbor-based life science instrumentation company. He led Genomic Solutions through a period of growth culminating in an IPO and eventual merger with Harvard Biosciences.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Williams held positions of increasing responsibility at several life science companies, including IRIS, Boehringer Mannheim (part of Hoffmann LaRoche) and the Organon division of Akzo Nobel.

George Dunbar, chairman of Accuri Cytometers, said: “Jennifer Baird has done a job of taking Accuri from an audacious concept to a high growth company in a few years’ time. Ms. Baird led the Accuri team that developed and commercialized a new cell analysis flow cytometer system which is revolutionizing major aspects of life science research.

“As a result of the rapid expansion of the company, Ms. Baird and the Board of Directors agreed that it was appropriate to bring on a chief executive with extensive experience in growing established life science companies. We are delighted to have recruited Jeff Williams, a qualified candidate with local roots who is well suited to lead Accuri to the next stage.”

Mr. Williams said: “Accuri’s flow cytometer systems represent a breakthrough, bringing the power of this formerly complex and expensive technology to the lab of virtually any scientist in an affordable and easy-to-use format.

“The rapid adoption of the company’s initial products and our growing worldwide presence make Accuri well positioned for continued rapid growth and near-term profitability. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to build the company’s momentum and helping lead it to further success.”