Capital Boost sets Course for new CEO

Following a £5.9 million GBP (~$7.3 million USD) investment from UK-based private equity firm Connection Capital, laboratory tools manufacturer H.E.L Group, focused on developing instruments and software for effecting process scale-up across a range of chemistry and biology R&D applications, announced Louise Madden as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Formerly CEO at Applied Photophysics, where she also held positions as Chief Operating Officer and Commercial Director, Louise has been working in the analytical instruments field for more than a decade having served as Global Service Manager at Biolin Scientific AB and Finance Director at Farfield Group Limited. With a BA in Law and Accountancy from the University of Manchester, Louise spent 11 years at KPMG, where she gained extensive experience of mergers and acquisitions.

With the support of Connection Capital, the Company will continue to invest in the development of its technology and software platforms and to bolster post-sales teams with additional resources in service and technical support. Significant investment in process and infrastructure improvements will also be carried out, with an increased focus on value-added activities not only for customers, but also as part of staff development. 

In addition, H.E.L Group plans to extend its reach into rapidly developing markets such as India and China, where the Company’s instruments, software and automated solutions are playing a pivotal role in improving the safety of chemical and industrial processes.

“H.E.L Group has been working with customers for over 30 years to develop and better understand complex R&D processes that ultimately will help create a healthier, safer and more sustainable world,” Ms Madden said. “From an already strong and profitable base, we have ambitions to extend our reach in existing and new geographies. The investment by Connection Capital acts as a real catalyst for us to make the investment in our people, processes, infrastructure and product innovation to facilitate growth. I’m excited to be steering the H.E.L team and look forward to us realising our full market potential.”