Executives

Alan Donze has been appointed as Bioretec's new CEO

Bioretec Ltd is pleased to announce that Mr. Alan Donze has been appointed CEO of Bioretec. He will start in this position immediately. With a distinguished career spanning the banking and medical device industries, Mr. Donze brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Bioretec organization. Mr. Donze began his career journey in the banking industry, serving as the Vice President of Commercial Lending and Leveraged Finance for a regional predecessor to Chase bank. He left banking to begin his medical device career as a Regional Sales Representative for Stryker Endoscopy in 1991. Over his 13 years at Stryker, Mr. Donze's responsibilities increased to various senior management positions, including Vice President General Manager of Stryker Endoscopic Service and Vice President General Manager of Stryker Communications, a division he was given the tremendous opportunity to create and build from the ground up. Mr. Donze has also held senior leadership positions for a number of other medical device and technology companies including Smith+Nephew, Bioventus, and Lima Corporate and venture-led startups such as Isotis Orthobiologics, Aerobiotix and Rx.Health. Mr. Donze received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Louisiana State University. "We are excited to announce the appointment of Alan Donze as our new Chief Executive Officer. With his proven track record of leadership and vision, we are confident that Alan will lead our company to new heights of commercial success. Alan brings with him 30 years of sales and marketing leadership experience in medical devices, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of market dynamics and a relentless drive for excellence. His strategic insights and passion for Bioretec's mission make him the ideal leader to guide us into the future," says Tomi Numminen, Bioretec's Chairman of the Board. "I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead Bioretec to the next level and deeply appreciate the confidence placed in me by the Board of Directors. Bioretec's groundbreaking work in developing alternatives to traditional metal implants represents a significant advancement in the medical field. Our products have the potential to reduce the need for invasive surgeries and improve patient outcomes, aligning with a critical need within the healthcare community. I am eager to contribute to Bioretec's mission by expanding our efforts to introduce these transformative solutions to the benefit of many more patients. I look forward to the journey ahead and to our continued growth and success," says Alan Donze. Timo Lehtonen, Bioretec's CEO since 2019, will transfer to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and continue to lead the development of Bioretec's future product pipeline. "It has been a privilege to lead Bioretec since 2019 and support its remarkable growth through interesting, challenging times. I am excited to focus my efforts on advancing the RemeOs™product pipeline. Together with Alan, I am confident we will continue to strengthen our growth and transform bone fracture care. In my forthcoming role as CTO, I will leverage my extensive experience in innovation, product development, and regulatory expertise to support the management team and our skilled personnel. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes in redefining bone fracture treatment and improving patients' quality of life," says Timo Lehtonen. "I would like to thank Timo Lehtonen for his passionate and dedicated leadership as our CEO over the past five years. Under his guidance, Bioretec has grown strongly and strengthened its position as a leading innovator in biodegradable technologies. With its biodegradable metal implants, the company has significantly modernized the surgical treatment of bone fractures, which significantly increases the quality of the lives of the patients. Our mutual and succesful path with Timo continues while he assumes the role of CTO in which role he continues to provide important support for the future development of our product pipeline," says Chairman of the Board Tomi Numminen.

Premier Healthcare Holdings Inc. Names Buffy Stultz White as CEO

Premier Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (PHHI), a private company, announced it has named healthcare industry veteran Buffy Stultz White as CEO to lead the next phase of growth. "I am honored to join PHHI, a diversified and highly respected organization that is committed to making positive impacts and a difference in the healthcare industry," said Buffy Stultz White, CEO. "I am thrilled to be part of an organization that believes so strongly in examining and solving the issues that hold back healthcare organizations." White has more than 25 years of senior management experience, including expertise managing strategic client development, advanced recruitment processes, innovation, and operational efficiencies, as well as international and domestic workforce solution programs. Formerly, she was the Group President for Cross Country Healthcare Inc., a leading provider of total talent management solutions for healthcare clients. White has been recognized on the Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) Staffing 100 North America list and the Global Power 150 Women in Staffing list for two consecutive years. "The healthcare industry is riddled with resource issues and looking for ways to provide services that optimize and offer alternatives to traditional contingent staffing," said White. "Healthcare organizations want a partner who will look at issues differently and consider a new approach, which is exactly what we plan to do." As CEO, White will work closely with the leadership team to develop and execute strategic initiatives that aim to deliver innovative talent solutions, improve the clinician experience, provide exceptional value to customers, and further strengthen PHHI as a trusted partner in the healthcare staffing industry. Her initial focus will be to enhance the current service offerings, including travel nursing, local nursing, international, allied, rapid response, and dialysis staffing, as well as managed service provider (MSP) customizable workforce planning solutions. In addition to building upon the strengths of PHHI's services, White will also drive operational efficiencies and expand the organization's presence in key markets across its six subsidiaries, including Premier Healthcare Professionals (PHP), Adevia Health USA, Freedom Crisis Staffing, Freedom Healthcare Staffing, Corratel Healt hcare and Renal Reserve. "We're already successful with a solid foundation grounded in doing the right thing," said White. "Now we're ready for growth, and we owe it to the healthcare industry to ensure sustainable, innovative and fiscally responsible solutions."

Jim Bartel Named Chief Executive Officer of Vantage MedTech

Vantage MedTech, a leading provider of comprehensive design and manufacturing services for medical technology innovations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Bartel as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Bartel brings over 25 years of leadership experience within medical device and contract manufacturing organizations, including roles leading marketing, business development, and sales teams. With a passion for services and manufacturing, Mr. Bartel has a deep understanding of product development and building high-performing teams that share common values to accelerate growth. He most recently served as CEO and Board Member of Waltek, Inc., a private equity-owned casting and machining company serving the medical industry, and President of Spectralytics, Inc., a medical device contract manufacturing organization, in addition to being COO and Board Member of Precision ADM, a 3D metal contract manufacturing company. He also spent four years at Stratasys, the leading 3D printing company, as VP and General Manager of their rapid prototyping business unit. Mr. Bartel holds a B.A., dual majors, in Economics and Management from Hartwick College and an M.B.A., focused on Business, Management, and Marketing, from the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business. Upon his appointment as CEO, Mr. Bartel commented, "Vantage has been on an exciting growth journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as CEO. We have a talented team of 150+ medical device engineers with decades of industry expertise. Their dedication to partnering with medical device innovators from concept to realization is what makes Vantage stand apart and is key to our long term success." Vantage is backed by Boston-based private equity firm Ampersand Capital Partners ("Ampersand"). Trevor Wahlbrink, Partner at Ampersand added "We are thrilled to have Jim join the Vantage team given his exceptional leadership qualities and deep understanding of contract services companies serving the medical device industry. His experience, commitment to quality, and teamwork mentality will prove invaluable to Vantage's growth strategy."

Initial Therapeutics Names Peter DiLaura as CEO

Initial Therapeutics Inc., a life sciences company discovering and developing new small-molecule therapeutics with a novel platform to selectively modulate translation of pathogenic proteins in the ribosome, has appointed Peter DiLaura as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. Spiros Liras, Ph.D., a Venture Partner at Apple Tree Partners (ATP) and founding CEO of Initial, will continue to serve on Initial's Board of Directors and the company's Scientific Advisory Board. "Peter has a strong senior leadership track record in biopharmaceuticals and significant expertise in strategy, funding, and business development at emerging companies on the leading edges of science. We are delighted that he is taking the helm at Initial as our first programs progress," Liras said. "His expertise across a range of therapeutic modalities and indications and his sharp instincts about how to move companies forward all match very well with Initial's talented team, versatile platform, and growth opportunities." "For some time, I have been following Initial Therapeutics with keen interest—the company is doing exciting and original work focused on protein modulation in the ribosome that is unlike any other approach I have seen," DiLaura said. "It's an honor to join Initial and work with the company's scientists, founders, and Board members to advance the promise of Initial's platform and programs and ultimately, to introduce new classes of small-molecule therapeutics to fight cancers and other intractable illnesses." Peter DiLaura brings to Initial nearly three decades of experience in life sciences company creation and building, financing, strategy, and operations. Most recently, he was Chief Business and Strategy Officer at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing engineered regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies to treat serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. At Sonoma Bio, he drove financing and corporate development efforts and built Sonoma Bio's finance, legal, intellectual property, investor relations, program and portfolio management, and human resources functions. Before joining Sonoma Bio, DiLaura was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Third Rock Ventures involved in company creation activities. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Second Genome, Inc., a pioneering microbiome therapeutics company. DiLaura holds a B.A. in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Character Biosciences and is an advisor to several biotherapeutic companies and venture groups.

Ascential Medical & Life Sciences Appoints Anupam Girdhar as Divisional CEO

Ascential Medical & Life Sciences announced the appointment of Anupam Girdhar as divisional CEO. A business leader with 25 years of operational and strategic experience, Mr. Girdhar has managed complex life science tools and medical devices businesses. He has a proven track record fostering growth and cultivating top-tier organizations and will work towards positioning Ascential Medical & Life Sciences for lasting success. Mr. Girdhar joins the Ascential team from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he spent the last seven years. Most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of PCR Platforms and Genetic Testing Solutions. Prior to that, he was instrumental in building Thermo Fisher's Clinical Vertical in the Genetic Sciences Division, as well as establishing the company's leadership position in COVID testing. "I look forward to leading this accomplished team and tackling some of the most complex challenges in the industry while delivering high-quality engineering, design, testing, manufacturing and automation solutions at scale," Mr. Girdhar said. "With exceptional engineering teams from D&K Engineering, Korvis, NACS, Kinematic Automation and more under our umbrella, Ascential Medical & Life Sciences is the leader in providing end-to-end solutions in medical device and life sciences contract manufacturing and automation. As we further build upon the company's proven record and unique, specialized expertise, we will continue to provide unmatched value to our customers and propel the industry forward." Prior to Thermo Fisher, Mr. Girdhar spent nine years at Baxter Healthcare, where he held multiple leadership positions including vice president of marketing for Clinical Nutrition and Fluid Systems businesses and led strategic initiatives for the Medication Delivery Division. He also has experience as a management consultant providing marketing, sales and strategy solutions to pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies. "Anupam has an impressive background that combines technical and business expertise and a proven reputation in the medical and life sciences industry," said Jeff Moss, CEO of Ascential Technologies. "He is uniquely qualified to meet the evolving needs of our clients and navigate challenges within the industry. This hire is an investment in the long-term success of our business, and we are poised to emerge as the industry leader." Ascential Medical & Life Sciences provides end-to-end capabilities for complex medical device assembly and total commercialization services from ideation to scaled manufacturing. The division's former interim president, Scott Watts, will be moving to Ascential Technologies' specialty industrial vertical to serve as its first divisional CEO.

P&G Appoints Neal Reed as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, P&G Australia and New Zealand

The Procter & Gamble Company has appointed Neal Reed as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, P&G Australia and New Zealand. He succeeds Kumar Venkatasubramanian, who will return to India to lead the P&G India Business. Under Kumar's leadership, P&G Australia and New Zealand delivered record metrics, category growth and strong retailer partnerships. He has also championed Equality and Inclusion, expanding impactful citizenship programs for employees and communities, including P&G ANZ's partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Reed joined P&G over 28 years ago, starting his career as an Account Rep in the UK. He spent 14 years working in a broad range of Sales assignments across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. He successfully led Fabric Care Europe before moving to Japan in 2016. In his most recent assignment as Senior Vice President Oral Care, Greater China, Reed's leadership enabled the business to thrive with continued growth via his commitment to elevated consumer experience. "I am excited for the opportunity to lead a dynamic ANZ Team." says Reed "I'm passionate about inspiring and developing the organisation through our integrated growth strategy." Stanislav Vecera, P&G president, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa said, "I want to thank Kumar for his strong leadership of the ANZ organisation, I know he will continue to excel in his newly appointed role to lead P&G India. I am thrilled with Neal's appointment as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand. He brings a wealth of knowledge and global experience that will build the organisation and support strong business results."

Aculys Pharma Announces Appointment of Hidemasa Tanigaki as New CEO

Aculys Pharma a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on commercializing innovative treatments for neurological conditions, today announces the appointment of Hidemasa Tanigaki as Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director, effective March 29th. Hidemasa has an outstanding track record and has been a leader in the pharmaceutical sector for over the last 30 years. Hidemasa began his journey with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company ("Takeda") in 1992 and held numerous key positions throughout his tenure with the company. After starting his career as a medical rep, he was later involved the successful launch of multiple products. From 2015, he was global lead in Boston for the oncology business strategy. Upon his return to Japan, he served as Sales Director for Specialty Pharma and the Head of Rare Hematology, before assuming the role of President and Representative Director of Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in 2021. He then led the Gastrointestinal Disease Business Unit at Takeda. Hidemasa Tanigaki, new CEO and Representative Director of Aculys, stated: "I am thrilled to join Aculys which focuses on addressing today's drug lag/drug loss with an utmost sense of urgency. I believe the Aculys' pipeline carries great potential to transform the lives of patients. I look forward to working with the team to deliver such products to those in need as quickly as possible." BT Slingsby, Executive Chairperson of Aculys, added: "The Aculys Board warmly welcomes Hidemasa as the new CEO of Aculys. We believe his impressive track record and experience in the pharmaceutical sector make him an ideal leader to take the team and assets toward commercialization. We are confident he will continue to position the Company as a leading biopharma in the field of neurological and psychiatric disorders, executing Aculys' clinical, commercial, and financial strategy." Takeshi Takahashi will step down as the interim CEO and remain a Board Member.

Joyce Chan Russell Named Top Woman Leader in Health Care by National Outlet

Joyce Chan Russell, senior vice president of government markets at Priority Health, has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top Women Leaders in Health Care for 2024. This national recognition honors women executives who are helping develop policy, leading change and making advancements across all sectors of the health care industry. In her role at Priority Health, Chan Russell oversees the individual, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid businesses, as well as population health and health equity. Her responsibilities include driving bold growth, partnering with industry and government stakeholders and delivering on quality and operational goals – all in alignment with Priority Health’s overarching effort to transform health care. Chan Russell is a recognized and award-winning leader in the health care industry, from sharing her expertise at conferences across the country to testifying before Michigan lawmakers on how to help residents better navigate Medicaid Renewal. Priority Health’s Medicare and Medicaid plans have consistently received top ratings, and under her leadership, the company received Health Equity Accreditation in 2023 from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). “Since joining Priority Health in 2021, Joyce has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through her ability to balance the pace of change with our desire to innovate,” said Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health. “Joyce has led product innovation that has enabled us to continue to provide high-value, affordable plans to our members.” Before joining Priority Health, Chan Russell spent 12 years at Healthfirst, a 1.7 million member, not-for-profit, provider-sponsored health plan in New York where, as vice president of Medicare, she grew the Medicare business by nearly 40%, outpacing market growth against national and regional health plans in a highly competitive environment.

Zheng joins Illumina as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Greater China

Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced that Jenny Zheng joins Illumina as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Greater China, and a member of the global executive management team, effective from February 26. Ms. Zheng has more than 25 years of international experience in healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. Prior to joining Illumina, she served as Chairman and President of Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. In her multiple leadership tenure, she has led teams across countries and regional markets to achieve double-digit topline and bottom-line growth for her organization, managed multiple strategic projects' successful operation. During this time, Ms. Zheng has led an innovation-focused development strategy that has resulted in accelerated access and availability of innovative medicines. Additionally, she has been instrumental in cultivating a high-performing, inclusive and purpose-driven management team. Ms. Zheng is a respected business leader in pharmaceutical industry with wealthy experiences and enterprising spirit of innovation. She has been named to Forbes China Top 100 Businesswomen of 2022, and Fortune China's Most Powerful Women of 2022. Ms. Zheng holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business. "We are thrilled to have Jenny join us, her deep expertise in healthcare and global organizations will be great additions to the Greater China team and our broader Commercial organization." said Bas Verhoef, Head of Region for Europe and Interim Chief Commercial Officer at Illumina. "Greater China is a pivotal market for Illumina, I am confident that under Jenny's leadership, the region will continue to make breakthroughs and contribute to the company's long-term mission of improving human health." "Genome sequencing is increasingly penetrating the development of precision medicine and becoming an important force in improving health management across the human lifecycle." said Ms. Zheng. "I'm delighted to be joining Illumina and look forward to working with the team to expand the possibilities of genomics. We will continue to accelerate our innovation portfolios to take root in China, together with local partners to achieve mutual trust and success. We are committed to enhancing the reach and impact of NGS in both scientific research and clinical settings, deepening our localized strategies, and augmenting our manufacturing capabilities to better serve the dynamic healthcare needs in China."

David Bruning Named Chief Executive Officer of StageBio

StageBio, a leading provider of GLP-compliant histology, pathology, image analysis and archiving services for both preclinical and clinical research, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Bruning as Chief Executive Officer. Having served on the StageBio Board of Directors for the past five years in addition to previously being a longstanding customer of StageBio, Mr. Bruning possesses a deep understanding of the company, its strategic priorities and the evolving needs of its customers. Mr. Bruning brings over 25 years of leadership experience within product-based and preclinical testing services companies, including BioReliance (a business of MilliporeSigma / Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany) and Life Technologies (a division of Invitrogen). He holds a B.S. in Biology from the California Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from Loyola College. On his appointment as CEO, Mr. Bruning comments, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead StageBio in its next phase of growth. We have a talented and innovative team across our sites in North America and Europe dedicated to delivering superior service and scientific rigor to our customers throughout the biopharmaceutical, medical device, and contract research industries. Together as a global team, we are well-positioned to further build on our foundation as a leading histopathology provider to enable the success of our customers." Backed by Boston-based private equity investment firm Ampersand Capital Partners, StageBio's commitment to quality, scientific integrity and client satisfaction has led to strong partnerships with its life sciences customers. Melanie Fan, Principal, Ampersand Capital Partners and member of the StageBio Board of Directors adds, "We are thrilled to have David transition into this role, after having been a valuable member of the Board the last five years. David's understanding of the business and its customers, coupled with his industry expertise, positions him for success in driving continuous growth for StageBio in 2024 and beyond."

Health & Biotech