[8-K] Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Reports Material Event

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) filed an 8-K announcing a planned CFO transition.

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Stephen Williamson will retire effective March 31 2026. To provide continuity, the board has appointed James R. Meyer (age 46), currently Vice President, Financial Operations, to become Senior Vice President & CFO effective March 1 2026. Meyer joined the company in 2009 and has held progressively senior finance roles, including VP of Finance, Customer Channels (2020-2022), before assuming his present post in January 2023; he previously worked at PwC.

No financial results, guidance, debt transactions or other material events were disclosed. The orderly, internally sourced succession suggests minimal operational disruption, although leadership change can introduce short-term uncertainty. Compensation or severance terms were not included in this filing.

Positive

• Orderly transition: nine-month lead time and internal promotion should ensure continuity in financial leadership.
• Experienced successor: James R. Meyer has 16 years at TMO across multiple finance functions, lowering execution risk.

Negative

• CFO departure introduces potential short-term uncertainty until the market assesses Meyer’s performance.
• Lack of financial details: filing provides no insight into compensation arrangements or strategic changes, leaving open questions for investors.

Insights

Financial Analyst

TL;DR: Internal successor limits risk; CFO exit unlikely to alter near-term financial outlook.

The eight-month notice period and one-month overlap give investors comfort that reporting cycles and capital-allocation plans should proceed uninterrupted. Meyer’s 16-year tenure means familiarity with Thermo Fisher’s M&A-driven growth model and integration processes, reducing execution risk. Because no revisions to guidance or strategy were mentioned, I classify the market impact as neutral unless further disclosures surface regarding compensation or strategic shifts.

Corporate Governance Expert

TL;DR: Smooth succession aligns with governance best practices; no red flags detected.

Thermo Fisher adheres to governance norms by announcing the CFO retirement nine months in advance and appointing an experienced internal candidate. The board demonstrates succession planning depth, avoiding a disruptive external search. Absence of any mention of disputes, investigations, or abrupt departures mitigates concern. Nevertheless, investors should monitor upcoming proxy materials for details on Meyer’s compensation package and any post-retirement consulting role for Williamson.

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 23, 2025

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Delaware

1-8002

04-2209186

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

168 Third Avenue

Waltham, Massachusetts 02451

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (781) 622-1000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1.00 par value

TMO

New York Stock Exchange

3.200% Notes due 2026

TMO 26B

New York Stock Exchange

1.400% Notes due 2026

TMO 26A

New York Stock Exchange

1.450% Notes due 2027

TMO 27

New York Stock Exchange

1.750% Notes due 2027

TMO 27B

New York Stock Exchange

0.500% Notes due 2028

TMO 28A

New York Stock Exchange

1.375% Notes due 2028

TMO 28

New York Stock Exchange

1.950% Notes due 2029

TMO 29

New York Stock Exchange

0.875% Notes due 2031

TMO 31

New York Stock Exchange

2.375% Notes due 2032

TMO 32

New York Stock Exchange

3.650% Notes due 2034

TMO 34

New York Stock Exchange

2.875% Notes due 2037

TMO 37

New York Stock Exchange

1.500% Notes due 2039

TMO 39

New York Stock Exchange

1.875% Notes due 2049

TMO 49

New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Item 5.02    Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On July 23, 2025, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (the “Company”), announced that Stephen Williamson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will retire effective March 31, 2026.

The Company also announced that the Board of Directors approved the appointment of James R. Meyer, 46, currently Vice President, Financial Operations of the Company, to succeed Williamson as Senior Vice President and CFO of the Company, effective March 1, 2026. Mr. Meyer joined Thermo Fisher in July 2009 and has served in a number of finance roles of increasing responsibility across the Company, including as Vice President of Finance, Customer Channels from April 2020 to December 2022, before assuming his current role in January 2023. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher, Mr. Meyer worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

						THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC.
Date:			July 23, 2025			By:			/s/ Thomas B. Shropshire
									Thomas B. Shropshire
									Senior Vice President and General Counsel

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FAQ

When will Thermo Fisher Scientific's current CFO retire?

Stephen Williamson will retire effective March 31 2026.

Who has been appointed as the next CFO of TMO?

The board named James R. Meyer, currently VP, Financial Operations, to become CFO effective March 1 2026.

Does the 8-K include any financial results or guidance updates?

No, the filing is limited to the CFO succession and contains no earnings, revenue, or guidance information.

What is James R. Meyer’s background at Thermo Fisher?

Meyer joined in 2009, held various finance roles, was VP of Finance, Customer Channels (2020-2022), and became VP, Financial Operations in 2023.

Is there any information on Stephen Williamson’s severance or consulting role?

The 8-K does not disclose compensation, severance, or post-retirement arrangements.