Rupa Ark
Staffordshire
Summary
Strategic and purpose‑driven commercial leader with 25 years of experience driving growth across the life sciences sector with industry leading brands including Life Technologies, GE Life Sciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Azenta Life Sciences. Expert in leading global and regional sales organisations, shaping commercial strategy and building high‑performing, inclusive teams. Proven success in delivering multimillion‑dollar revenue targets across consumables, instruments, and workflow solutions. Recognised for strong executive presence, cross‑functional influence, and a customer‑centric approach that accelerates innovation and market expansion. Known for a dynamic, collaborative, and energetic leadership style, and widely regarded as a trusted, well‑respected voice in the life sciences community.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director Global Sales
Azenta Life Sciences
10.2023 - Current
- Lead global direct and distribution sales organisation for consumables and instruments with a $120M annual target.
- Built and scaled a global sales team, strengthening commercial execution across key markets, Pharma, Biotechs and Academia.
- Delivered double-digit growth across consumables and instruments through improved funnel discipline and customer engagement.
- Enhanced channel and direct sales alignment to accelerate new product adoption.
- Awarded Azenta Core Values Award 2024.
Channel Sales Director, EMEA
Azenta Life Sciences
06.2022 - 10.2023
- Responsible for EMEA channel strategy and execution with a $15M annual target.
- Designed and implemented a refreshed channel strategy across distributors and resellers.
- Strengthened partner performance through structured programmes, training and joint business planning.
- Expanded market reach and improved profitability through segmentation and portfolio focus.
- Delivered Azenta’s first-ever Global distributor conference in March 2023 with participants from over 13 countries.
Senior Channel Sales Leader
CYTIVA (GE Life Sciences)
01.2015 - 04.2022
- Owned global partnerships with Avantor/VWR, Fisher Scientific and Merck, delivering and exceeding a $60M annual target.
- Developed global partnership frameworks driving double-digit growth across consumables and instruments.
- Strengthened Cytiva’s position as a preferred supplier through joint innovation and commercial alignment.
- Led the Women’s Network Europe and served on the Global Sustainability Executive Steering Committee.
- Drove continuous improvement through GE ASCEND and Leading Change programmes.
- VWR BioMarke Awards (2016–2018)
Education
MBA - Sales & Marketing
Staffordshire University
B.sc.(Hons) - Biomedical Genetics
Sunderland University
ICF- Accredited Women’s Leadership Coach -
International Coaching Federation
Executive Presence -
RADA Business School
GE ASCEND - Key account management programme
Skills
- Life Sciences Applications
- Business Development
- Customer journey mapping
- Supplier and Portfolio Management
- CRM and Sales Enablement
- Tender and RFP Management
- Pricing Strategy and Margin optimisation
- Digital Marketing
Leadership Skills
- Commercial Strategy
- Global Sales Leadership
- Channel Excellence
- Key Account Partnerships
- Customer Engagement
- Organisational Development
- Change Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coaching & Talent Development
Profiles
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rupaark
Hobbies and interests
- Running and Hiking
- Coaching and mentoring
- STEM Ambassador
Timeline
Senior Director Global Sales
Azenta Life Sciences
10.2023 - Current
Channel Sales Director, EMEA
Azenta Life Sciences
06.2022 - 10.2023
Senior Channel Sales Leader
CYTIVA (GE Life Sciences)
01.2015 - 04.2022
MBA - Sales & Marketing
Staffordshire University
B.sc.(Hons) - Biomedical Genetics
Sunderland University
ICF- Accredited Women’s Leadership Coach -
International Coaching Federation
Executive Presence -
RADA Business School