Oxford Nanopore Technologies Shares Down as CEO Intends to Step Down

• Oxford Nanopore Technologies CEO and co-founder Gordon Sanghera will step down by the end of 2026.
• Sanghera will remain focused on delivering strategic priorities, growth, and profitability before his departure.
• Shares fell 3.5% on Monday following the announcement but remain up over 57% year-to-date.

Shares in Oxford Nanopore Technologies (LON: ONT) fell 3.5% on Monday after the company announced that long-serving chief executive Gordon Sanghera plans to step down by the end of 2026.

The stock, however, remains up more than 57% so far this year.

Sanghera, who co-founded the molecular sensing technology company in 2005, has led it for over two decades, overseeing the development of its pioneering nanopore-based devices.

These include the MinION, launched in 2015 as the world’s first portable sequencing device, which has since grown into a product range used in more than 125 countries.

The board said a formal search for his successor has begun as part of a long-standing succession plan. Chair Duncan Tatton-Brown praised Sanghera’s “visionary leadership” and said the company is well-positioned for its next phase of growth and commercialisation.

Sanghera said the timing would allow for a smooth transition and that he would remain focused on executing Oxford Nanopore’s strategic priorities, driving performance, and steering the company towards profitability before his departure.

Under his leadership, Oxford Nanopore’s technology has been cited in over 14,000 peer-reviewed publications and delivered sustained, above-market growth. Sanghera was appointed CBE in 2023 for services to science and technology.

Despite the share price dip, investors may view the planned leadership change as a sign of structured transition rather than upheaval, with the company maintaining momentum in its global markets.