When Batra joined Waters in late 2020, the company was at a critical stage, in need of a leader to help it regain its top market position. Batra, who at the time was the CEO of a company with $8 billion in sales called MilliporeSigma, was chosen because of his scientific and leadership background; Waters makes analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software for various sciences. As a former Waters customer, Batra had an understanding of client needs.
Since he took over, Waters has been focused on sustaining its momentum commercially, revitalizing innovation, and executing its long-term strategy. The company has released more than 40 new products since 2020, including 11 in 2024. Released in 2022, its Xevo TQ Absolute system became its best-selling mass spectrometer in 2024. Growth performance improved every quarter last year, and Waters has found success in delivering total shareholder returns; its TSR was 13% in 2024, which the company said far outperforms its peer average of -2%.
The company’s employees are spread throughout 100 countries, and about 1,600 are based in Massachusetts. Waters has been in Central Massachusetts since it was founded in 1958.
Laura Finaldi is a former WBJ reporter and current freelance writer.
