Worcester Business Journal

8 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2026 | wbjournal.com P OW E R 1 0 0 L I F E S C I E N C E S Udit Batra President & CEO Waters Corp., in Milford Total company employees: 16,000 Central Mass. employees: 1,289 Annual revenue: $3.2 billion (2025) Batra is moving Waters Corp. through an era of aggressive-yet-disciplined expansion, helping grow the global life sciences and diagnostics company into one of the industry's leaders. Since Batra took the helm of Waters in 2020, the firm has overcome a period of stagnation to deliver meaningful returns to its shareholders, bringing them a five-year total return of 54% through 2025 by simplifying the company's portfolio and pursuing focused merger & acquisition activity. Waters saw 7% sales growth and 11% adjusted earnings growth in 2025, as the firm planned to acquire the biosciences and diagnostic solutions business of New Jersey-based Becton, Dickinson, and Co., in a $17.5-billion transaction closed in 2026. e largest deal in the company's history sets up Waters for future expansion in high-growth markets, with it expected to double its addressable market to $40 billion. Outside of Waters, Batra has helped shape the local economy as the former chair of the Massachu- setts High Technology Council. He remains on the board of Boston Children's Hospital Trust, promot- ing philanthropic investment. - E.C. Kim Boericke CEO Veristat, in Southborough Age: 59 Employees: 600 Boericke took over one of Central Massachusetts' most significant life sci- ences service companies at a pivotal moment for the drug-development industry. Named Veristat's first female CEO in January, she quickly reshaped the company's strategy, completed a $135-million acquisition, expanded international operations, and launched AI-powered tools that reduced some analytical workflows from five to seven weeks to five days or less. Her broader goal is equally ambitious: helping pharmaceutical companies bring life-saving therapies to market faster and at lower cost. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I take a bird's-eye view to address challenges strategi- cally, then dive into the details to execute. I can see the big picture while understanding the nuance. What is one habit powerful leaders should prac- tice every day? e best leaders stay present and listen carefully. It provides the perspective needed to either step up and lead or create space for others to do so. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? e heart of biotech sits in Massachusetts. It's a prime place to find innovative companies and support drug-development programs. How do you unwind? Pilates, reading, and cooking. Anastasia Khvorova Professor in the RNA Therapeutics Institute The Remondi Family Chair in biomedical research UMass Chan Medical School, in Worcester Age: 56 Employees: 6,406 Central Mass. employees: 3,986 Annual revenue: $1.242 billion e future of RNA medicine is being shaped in Worcester, and Khvorova is one of the scientists help- ing define it. In 2025, she received the Else Kröner Fresenius Prize for Medical Research, bringing more than $2 million to support development of RNA therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Her labo- ratory advanced the first divalent siRNA therapeutic for prion disease into clinical development, offering a promising potential treatment for brain disease. She published breakthroughs related to Huntington's disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should prac- tice every day? Powerful leaders should practice hon- est thinking every day: understanding what is true, what is wishful thinking, and what is simply noise. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? For small RNA translational research, this is the best place in the world to build new medicines. It hap- pens to be here in Worcester. PHOTO | COURTESY OF INSULET Ashley McEvoy President & CEO Insulet, in Acton Age: 55 Employees: 5,411 Central Mass. employees: 1,249 Annual revenue: $2.708 billion As the only female CEO of a publicly traded company headquartered in Central Massachusetts, McEvoy took the helm of one of the region's largest and fastest-growing life sciences firms in April 2025. Under her leadership, Insulet reported first-quarter revenue of $762 million, up 30%, while growing its global customer base by approximately 25%. She is now pursuing an ambitious strategy to double reve- nue again, expand automated insulin-delivery tech- nology, and strengthen manufacturing operations at the company's Acton headquarters. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I am deeply motivated by the belief that healthcare is more than a career – it's a calling. It is both an honor and an obligation to serve people who depend on the care we provide. What is one habit powerful leaders should prac- tice every day? Powerful leaders must be obsessed with customer centricity, combining empathy and disciplined execution to create meaningful impact. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Central Massachusetts offers exceptional access to advanced manufacturing talent, leading universities, and a strong life sciences ecosystem. "Power is the ability to serve people in ways that improve their everyday lives. e strongest leaders don't just compete within categories, they redefine them." - Ashley McEvoy, Insulet

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