Michael Erickson, now executive vice president, will succeed Jay Mazelsky as president and CEO of the Westbrook-based maker of veterinary diagnostics and software.

After more than six years at the helm of IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (Nasdaq: IDXX), Jay Mazelsky will step down as president and CEO this spring and be succeeded by Michael Erickson.

Michael Erickson PHOTO / COURTESY OF IDEXX LABORATORIES INC.

Erickson, who joined the Westbrook-based maker of veterinary diagnostics and software in 2011, currently serves as executive vice president and general manager of IDEXX’s global point-of-care diagnostics and telemedicine business divisions.

He will take on the new role as of May 12, with Mazelsky staying with the company as executive board chair until his planned retirement in May 2027.

Erickson brings nearly two decades of leadership experience and significant health care technology and innovation expertise, the company said in Tuesday’s announcement.

Since joining IDEXX in 2011, he has held senior positions across key portions of the firm’s business, including diagnostics, software, strategy and corporate accounts.

Previous experience includes advising leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and health service companies as an associate principal at McKinsey & Co., the global consulting firm.
‘Robust’ succession planning
“Mike’s appointment as the company’s next president and CEO is the culmination of the IDEXX board’s thoughtful and robust succession planning process,” said Lawrence D. Kingsley, the company’s independent non-executive board chair.

“Having served in a number of the company’s key leadership roles, Mike has a deep understanding of the business and is uniquely well-suited to lead the company forward and build on its strong momentum at the forefront of the veterinary diagnostics industry,” he added.

Erickson said he is eager to start working closely with Mazelsky and the rest of the team “to further our purpose of enhancing the health and well-being of pets, people and livestock as we continue to drive exceptional long-term value for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”

IDEXX employs around 11,000 people in total and does business in more than 175 countries and territories worldwide.