Jay Hardy, Founder of Hardy Diagnostics, Retires


After 45 years, founder of to Hardy Diagnostics, Jay Hardy, has officially retired from active service. Jay started Hardy Diagnostics in 1980 with what began as a small lab in Santa Barbara has grown into an employee-owned company serving customers around the world. As Jay steps into this next chapter, he shares his gratitude for everyone who has supported the company’s mission over the years:
“After 45 years of helping lead this wonderful company, I have decided that it’s time I took a step back to spend more time with my children and grandchildren. More than anything, I want to thank all the Hardy employee-owners for their hard work and dedication that has made Hardy Diagnostics what it is today.”
While Jay will continue to advise in a supporting role, Christopher Catani, who has been with Hardy Diagnostics since 1996 and has served as CEO since 2024, will now lead as President and CEO. Chris has worked alongside Jay for nearly three decades and shares his passion for advancing microbiology and supporting the laboratory with “A Culture of Service.”
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