April 30, 2026 — RALEIGH, N.C.— LabConnect®, a global leader in clinical trial sample solutions and central laboratory services, today announced the appointment of Richard Harris as Chief Executive Officer. Harris succeeds Wesley P. Wheeler, who is retiring as CEO after a distinguished tenure leading the company through a period of significant growth and transformation.
Leadership for the Next Phase of Growth
The Board of Directors expressed deep appreciation for Wheeler's leadership, vision, and dedication since joining LabConnect in 2024. Under Wheeler's guidance, the company advanced its strategic priorities, strengthened its operational foundation, and positioned itself for continued success in a rapidly evolving industry.
"On behalf of the Board, we thank Wes for his leadership and the meaningful progress achieved during his tenure," said Tim Johnson, Chairman of LabConnect and Partner at BroadOak Capital. "We are excited to welcome Rich as CEO. His proven track record in scaling technology-driven organizations and his commitment to operational excellence make him the ideal leader for LabConnect's next chapter."
About Richard Harris
Richard Harris brings over 30 years of executive experience, including three prior CEO roles. He is recognized for launching innovative technology products leveraging AI, driving growth, executing strategic acquisitions, and building high-performing teams. His leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and focused on aligning teams around shared goals.
"I'm honored to join LabConnect and lead a team dedicated to advancing life-saving therapies," said Harris. "LabConnect's unique combination of scientific expertise, global laboratory partnerships, integrated logistics, and innovative technology positions us to support increasingly complex clinical trials. I look forward to working with our talented team to deliver even greater value to our clients and partners as we continue to scale."
Before joining LabConnect, Harris served as CEO of SparkPost and AddThis, both of which were successfully acquired. He also held a senior leadership role at Oracle, overseeing international operations for Oracle Data Cloud. Most recently, he was CEO of TrustEngine, where he led the integration of two companies and returned the business to growth and profitability. Harris holds an MBA and JD from the University of Maryland and a bachelor's degree in economics from Denison University.
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About LabConnect
LabConnect® is a global central laboratory services and clinical trial sample solutions partner, integrating and optimizing sample-related activities across the study lifecycle. The company connects scientific and operational expertise, a curated network of laboratories, logistics, and enabling technology to coordinate and manage the full sample journey, from early biomarker strategy through testing, storage, and harmonized data delivery. This approach enables pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research organizations to reduce operational risk, improve study predictability, and ensure data is reliable and ready for insight and regulatory submission.
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