10 Questions with Dan Malarek, New CEO of Roche Diagnostics North America

Quick-strike queries posed to Roche Diagnostics’ new CEO in North America

Dan Malarek assumed the role of President and CEO of Roche Diagnostics North America in August 2026, with our United States and Canada businesses squarely in his scope. A longtime leader in a new role will have no shortage of thoughts, and so we caught up with him early in his tenure on a range of professional and personal topics.

1. It’s been said that people contain multitudes. What are a couple of yours?

I’m into a variety of sports, and, well, I’ll leave it at that for now. And I’m a former scientist, though chemistry was ultimately not for my long-term career path. I also originally sought to be a musician, though it wasn’t long before I proved to be not great at that. These experiences can be humbling, in the best way. It’s important to be clear-eyed about where your talent and purpose intersect, and to go with that. I feel enormously blessed to be where I am today.
 

2. What motivates you, in life and in your work?

In short, a clear sense of purpose. I genuinely believe that despite our different roles, we are all united by a shared human desire to make a meaningful impact through our work.
 

3. What’s one thing you’re into outside of work that you somehow translate to your profession?

I’m a huge hockey fan. Now, I didn't have the build or the skills to make it professionally — but if you watch the sport, offense is such an exciting part of the game. Offense often gets the glory. But you don't win just by being strong in one dimension. You win by being solid at every single position — and above all, playing as one team. It’s no different for us at Roche. Whether someone is in the field with customers, or supporting remotely or onsite, or working on contracts behind the scenes, either in the U.S. or Canada, we each have a role. High-performing teams are not about individual stars. They are about how our everyday behaviors shape our environment and, by extension, the world around us. As we support and respectfully challenge each other, sharpening each other toward a common goal, that is when we deliver our best work for the patients and customers counting on us every day.

4. Is there a book, article or maybe podcast that you found yourself absorbed in or inspired?

Two books have profoundly shaped my worldview. The first is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, which deeply resonates with my purpose-driven nature and fascination with human motivation. The second is Erich Fromm's To Have or to Be? — a compelling look at the dichotomy between a life defined by material accumulation and one centered on authentic existence. Needless to say, the themes of those two are not small.
 

5. How would you describe your approach to leadership?

For me, this rests on four pillars: vision, execution, culture and talent. First, as an executive leader, it's about setting a compelling vision and charting the course. Second, it’s about bridging that vision to strategic execution to drive measurable results. Strategy is nothing without excellence in execution. Third, you need to actively shape an inclusive culture — not just say it — in which people bring their authentic selves to work. Ultimately, sustainable success is driven by people, and that’s why I’m deeply committed to nurturing an inclusive culture and empowering that fourth pillar, the right talent that is intent on reaching their full potential while doing gratifying work.

6. What are a couple personal anecdotes that have shaped your leadership style?

A few pivotal personal experiences have shaped this for me, notably the mentorship of a former CFO at Roche Diagnostics. He taught me how to foster creativity within the highly matrixed environment that we find ourselves in — a vital skill for driving ideas forward. The best advice I’ve received and now pass on to young leaders is to pursue your passions. When you do what excites you, you excel — and people are naturally drawn to authentic, passionate leaders.

7. What innovations in diagnostics and lab medicine most excite you?

What makes me proud to work at Roche and in biotech is that we are consistently bringing forward a range of innovations that impact patients, clinicians and healthcare systems. It’s not only revolutionary innovations in, say, Alzheimer’s disease, although those are  incredible and will make a huge impact on society. But it’s also about our everyday battles against respiratory viruses and other diseases and conditions. 

8. What are key qualities that you look for in team members?

Integrity is key. It is a core expectation I have for team members and for our company. Fostering varied perspectives in a culture is also essential to our success. We require team members to be  deeply invested in patient outcomes, mission-driven empathy and a customer-first mindset. Our teams must prioritize cross-functional collaboration and dismantle silos to build tangible, real-world value for the customers and patients we serve. And, I might add, we must innovate in the areas of AI, automation and the like, as we champion those to the people we serve.

9. How do you thoughtfully maintain a work-life balance?

For me, maintaining a healthy work-life balance comes down to setting non-negotiable boundaries. First, I prioritize daily physical fitness — starting my day with high-intensity training is essential for the endorphins that fuel my performance. Second, I completely unplug for a 24-hour Sabbath every week from Friday to Saturday sunset, dedicating that time entirely to my family and friends.

10. Do you have a motto or a mantra of some kind?

My mantra is “embrace the change.” I believe life and business are defined by constant change. You can either resist it or lean into it, and I’ve always found that the greatest growth happens when you choose to embrace it.