Eric Poley, the Senior Vice President of Sales for Opentrons’ Pandemic Response Lab (PRL), has played a pivotal role in the battle against COVID-19 and the remarkable growth of Opentrons. With an impressive track record in the tech industry and a commitment to leveraging innovation for public health, Poley’s career is defined by his ability to lead and drive success.
Opentrons’ Pandemic Response Lab (PRL) has been at the forefront of the largest COVID testing programs in the United States, covering essential areas like eldercare, back-to-school initiatives, and state and city government efforts. Through the application of cutting-edge laboratory automation technology, PRL has processed an astounding 7 million-plus COVID tests across its nationwide lab network. Moreover, it offers critical variant sequencing services that aid state and city governments in tailoring their pandemic response strategies effectively.
Under Eric Poley’s leadership, PRL has been expanding its testing menu to encompass hundreds of new tests, aiming to provide the same advantages of affordability, speed, and scalability throughout the entire U.S. healthcare system. Opentrons’ recent financial milestone is a testament to the company’s success. With Softbank’s substantial $200 million investment, Opentrons’ valuation skyrocketed from $90 million to an impressive $1.8 billion in just a year.
Before joining Opentrons-PRL, Eric Poley established himself as a sales and go-to-market leader in several early-stage B2B tech firms that later became industry leaders. His career highlights include being a founding member of salesforce.com’s Enterprise Sales practice under the guidance of Marc Benioff, and he was part of the team that took the firm through its successful IPO in 2004. Additionally, Poley played a role in SignalFX’s acquisition by Splunk for a remarkable $1.05 billion in 2019.
Poley’s academic background is equally impressive. He earned his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame, showcasing a solid foundation in business fundamentals. Furthering his knowledge and skills, he obtained an MBA in entrepreneurship from Babson’s Olin Graduate School of Business.
Eric Poley’s journey at Opentrons embodies the intersection of cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to public health. His leadership has not only driven the company’s remarkable growth but also contributed significantly to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
