Business

Fred Lowery Thermo Fisher

Fred Lowery is a prominent executive at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in serving science. With a career spanning over two decades, Lowery has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success. His leadership roles have encompassed various facets of Thermo Fisher’s operations, particularly in laboratory products and bio-production.

Early Career and Education

Before joining Thermo Fisher, Fred Lowery gained valuable experience at Maytag Corporation and General Motors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Technological University and a master’s degree in manufacturing management from Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute of Engineering and Management). This educational background laid a solid foundation for his future leadership roles in the scientific and manufacturing sectors.

Career at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Fred Lowery joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2005 as head of operations for the Molecular BioProducts business of Fisher Scientific International. Following the merger of Fisher Scientific and Thermo Electron in 2006, he was appointed Vice President and General Manager of the Chromatography Consumables and Specialty Glass business. Over the years, Lowery has held several key positions

  • 2010Vice President and General Manager of the Life Science Research business.
  • 2011President of Laboratory Consumables.
  • 2014Senior Vice President and President of Laboratory Products.
  • 2016Senior Operating Officer of Life Sciences Solutions.
  • 2017President of Life Sciences Solutions and Laboratory Products.
  • 2021Senior Vice President and President of Customer Channels.
  • 2024Executive Vice President and President of Laboratory Products and BioProduction.

In his current role, Lowery oversees Thermo Fisher’s Laboratory Products, Customer Channels, and BioProduction businesses, which are integral to the company’s operations and contribute significantly to its revenue.

Leadership Philosophy and Initiatives

Fred Lowery is known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to driving profitable growth. He has developed operating teams, launched innovative new products, and successfully led business integrations. His leadership extends beyond business performance; he is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company and the broader community.

Lowery founded The JUST Project at Thermo Fisher, an initiative named after biologist Everett Ernest Just. This project led to a $25 million donation in equipment and solutions to enable COVID-19 testing at historically Black colleges and universities and a commitment to hire 500 HBCU graduates over three years. Additionally, he is one of the founders of the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund, supporting charities that serve Black and Brown communities across Massachusetts.

Community Engagement and Philanthropy

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Fred Lowery is deeply involved in community service and philanthropy. He established the Lowery Family Fund, which supports organizations and initiatives focused on community service, philanthropy, and the arts. The fund has also established three scholarship endowments at Tennessee Technological University the Fred M. Lowery Award Scholarship, the Chi Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Scholarship, and the Dr. Leo McGee Scholarship Award. Furthermore, the fund supports Project GRAD in Knoxville, Tennessee, aiming to increase college access and success for students from underserved communities.

Board Memberships

Fred Lowery serves on the Board of Directors for DuPont and the Board of Trustees for Boston Medical Center, as well as Tennessee Technological University and its Foundation. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to advancing science, education, and healthcare.

Fred Lowery’s journey at Thermo Fisher Scientific exemplifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s direction and success. Through his various roles, philanthropic efforts, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Lowery continues to make a significant impact both within and outside of Thermo Fisher Scientific.