Raritan-based Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a provider of in vitro diagnostics, announced its board of directors appointed Chris Smith as chief executive officer effective Sept. 9th.

Smith will succeed Robert Yates who is stepping down as CEO. Yates will continue to serve as Ortho’s non-executive chairman as a member of the board of directors.

“I am delighted to lead Ortho as its next CEO,” Smith in a statement. “This is an exciting time for the company and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of professionals around the world. I look forward to building upon Ortho’s rich history of customer-focused innovation while taking the business to its next chapter of growth as a global diagnostics leader.”

“It has been an honor to serve as Ortho’s CEO,” said Yates. “Ortho is strongly positioned for sustainable and predictable growth, with more efficient operations and talented next-generation leaders. I am excited that we were able to recruit Chris who brings the executive leadership, experience and capabilities to continue Ortho’s transformation and value creation.”

Stephen Wise, managing director and global head of healthcare for The Carlyle Group, which invested in Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in 2014, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chris as Ortho’s next CEO. Chris brings over 30 years of health care sector experience and has a proven track record driving value creation for multinational businesses. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Chris that we believe will create significant value for Ortho.”

In addition to serving as Ortho’s non-executive chairman, Yates will continue to serve as a senior advisor to The Carlyle Group.

Smith currently serves on the board of directors of several companies including Results Physiotherapy, Nyxoah and Akouos. He was a senior external advisor for McKinsey & Co., AngelMD and EQT Partners. He previously served on the board of directors of publicly-listed Xtent Inc. as well as Startek Inc., Universal Biosensors, Gyrus Group Plc and Acclarent Inc.