Dirk Heckel profile page

Dirk Heckel serves as chief technology officer and head of research, development & innovation (RD&I) for the Diagnostics business of Siemens Healthineers. In this dual role, he leads innovation, technology strategy, and clinical vision across Diagnostics, overseeing the Core Laboratory, Specialty Laboratory, and Point of Care business lines. As head of research, development & innovation, Heckel manages centralized functions that drive growth, strategy, technology excellence, and medical affairs – committed to delivering best practices, industry-shaping innovation, and clinical excellence to drive future growth. Heckel is an accomplished executive and visionary with a successful history of leading go-to market activities for cutting-edge diagnostic products and healthcare technologies that have made a meaningful impact on patient care worldwide. He joined Siemens Healthineers with over 26 years of experience and a track record of directing strategy, innovation, clinical vision, growth, and R&D across global companies. Prior to Siemens Healthineers, he was founder and president of DHXcel Consulting, where he helped R&D teams accelerate innovation, product development, and compliance efforts. Before that, Heckel served as vice president, global innovation, at Danaher Diagnostics, where he shaped the company’s innovation pipeline by translating healthcare trends into actionable strategies. His efforts fueled growth and innovation across five diagnostic operating companies and helped create a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Prior to Danaher, Heckel was vice president, global innovation, at Beckman Coulter, where he managed the global innovation portfolio and formed strategic partnerships with academic and clinical leaders. Heckel holds a master's degree in molecular biology from Universität des Saarlandes and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Tübingen University. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Babson Diagnostics.