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Isotopx Ltd and Sercon Ltd, leading innovators in high precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry, are pleased to announce the promotion of Damian Tootell to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Damian steps into the role after more than 15 years of senior leadership at Isotopx and over 20 years of experience in the global scientific instrumentation sector.

Coinciding with this announcement is the retirement of Zenon Palacz, Founder and CEO of Isotopx. Zenon has long been regarded as a leading figure in isotope ratio mass spectrometry. From his early academic work through to his commercial career, Zenon played a pivotal role in advancing both TIMS and MC‑ICP‑MS technologies, notably contributing to the success of the Micromass IsoProbe‑P and the wider adoption of collision‑cell MC‑ICP‑MS technology. Throughout his career, Zenon was a recognised presence at major geochemistry conferences and a respected voice within the global isotope ratio community. His retirement from Isotopx leaves a significant legacy of expertise and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence that will have a lasting impact. 

Damian has been a central figure in the evolution of Isotopx’s noble gas mass spectrometry portfolio; he led the complete lifecycle of the NGX Noble Gas Mass Spectrometer, from initial concept through market launch to global adoption. His leadership, spanning product development, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial strategy, has been pivotal to Isotopx’s success over the years. In his new role as CEO, Damian will guide Isotopx through its next phase of growth, focusing on product innovation, strategic market expansion, and continued excellence in customer partnerships. 

Damien Tootell, CEO of Isotopx Ltd and Sercon Ltd

“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at both Isotopx and Sercon. These are organisations with strong identities, deep technical expertise, and a shared commitment to serving the scientific community.  

I would like to pay sincere tribute to Zenon Palacz for his exceptional leadership and lasting contribution to Isotopx. He leaves behind a strong foundation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon it. 

My priority is to support our people, strengthen collaboration with customers, and ensure that both Isotopx and Sercon continue to deliver reliable, high-quality instrumentation that enables world-class scientific research.” Damian Tootell CEO  

Following the acquisition of Sercon in 2025 by the Techcomp Group, Isotopx and Sercon will work together to develop a leading hub for isotope ratio excellence. Damian, working closely with Garry Armstrong, Director at Sercon, will set the vision for the future collaboration of both businesses. Garry will continue to ensure Sercon’s solutions demonstrate exceptional sensitivity and reliability. He will also lead the combined efforts to fully integrate the Isotopx SIRIX large radius IRMS and the Sercon dual inlet carbonate system. 

Damian with Garry, Director at Sercon

“Damian’s combination of deep scientific knowledge, commercial acumen, and strategic leadership makes him exceptionally well suited to lead Isotopx and Sercon into the future,” said Richard Finlayson CEO of Techcomp Europe. “His track record in isotope ratio mass spectrometry speaks for itself, and his respect in the industry and with the Isotopx staff will ensure that the position of both Isotopx and Sercon as global leaders in mass spectrometry technology continues to build and grow.” 

Richard Finlayson, CEO of Techcomp Europe (L) Damien Tootell, CEO of Isotopx Ltd and Sercon Ltd (M), Garry Armstrong (R), Director at Sercon Ltd

Damian holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics from Staffordshire University and is widely respected for his contributions to the noble gas mass spectrometry community.