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The Board
The Board has significant experience of taking cutting edge technology devices from first concept to a point where they can be successfully commercialised via larger partners. This team has led clinical diagnostic companies from foundation to IPO or trade sale and completed licensing deals with major diagnostic companies to build value.
Mike Saunders – Chairman
Mike has over 30 years in the IVD marketplace holding senior executive positions in Europe, USA & Pacific Rim with major international healthcare companies followed by general management experience in smaller biotechnology, molecular diagnostics and genomics research markets. Acted as Chairman for three UK start up Companies one listed on OFEX & Non Executive Director for an additional three. Co-Founded Altrix Healthcare plc and directed the initial funding and listing of Molecular Sensing plc. Also acted as Non Executive Director for two 3i/Scottish Enterprise start-up Companies.
Dr John Clarkson - CEO
John graduated in Genetics in 1978 followed by a PhD in microbial genetics before establishing an academic career at the University of Bath. In 1996 Dr Clarkson co-founded Molecular Sensors Ltd and in 1998 was a founding director of Molecular Sensing plc, becoming Technical Director in 2000. Following successful development of the ‘genedrive’ DNA analysis system, he joined Osmetech plc as Instrument Systems Director when they acquired Molecular in 2004.
Karen Yates - Finance Director
An ACMA with over 25 years experience including 12 years at director level in a variety of different industries: manufacturing, information systems and biotech. Karen was Finance Director, Horstmann Controls Ltd, before joining Dyson plc as Operations Finance Manager. She then moved to Molecular Sensing plc where she was Finance Controller and Finance Director of Molecular Sensors Ltd.
Gordon Forrest – Director – Technical
BSc., PhD, organic chemistry with 30 years in clinical diagnostics. Gordon has held senior corporate, R&D positions and co-founded and raised funds for two major new diagnostic companies. His particular interests are in immunodiagnostics and instrumentation. He has Board experience of private, and listed (LSE, AIM, OFEX), companies and has acted as a NED of several early stage companies which have undergone trade sale or listing. Gordon is an Advisor to several life science companies and the Wellcome Trust, as well as being a member of the Welcome Trust’s TTCC committee.
Alison Kibble – Director - Commercial
Alison graduated with a BA (Oxon) in Biochemistry and has significant experience in the healthcare sector. She runs a successful consulting business acting as a Board advisor to a number of companies, ranging from start-ups to more established businesses. Alison is currently CEO of Femeda Ltd, a women’s healthcare business. Previously she was CEO of Molecular Sensing plc in where she oversaw the successful development and licensing of part of its technology to Roche before eventual sale of the business in 2004 to Osmetech plc, at 95% premium to its market cap. Alison was Sales Director of eLabsEurope Limited, where she set up and managed its UK and Scandinavian operations. Prior to this she was UK Managing Director of Quantum Appligene (April 1998 - December 1999) and has held senior management positions at Lifescreen Limited (1997 - 1998) and R&D Systems Europe (1992 - 1997).
Chris Price - Non-Executive Director
An internationally acclaimed expert in near patient testing involving the design, appropriate use and management of technology in this field, including the development of protocols to assess the clinical and cost benefit of the outcomes of diagnostic procedures. Currently visiting Professor in Clinical Biochemistry, University of Oxford, and Cranfield Postgraduate Medical School. Formerly Vice President, Outcomes Research, Diagnostic Division Bayer HealthCare, USA, Professor of Clinical Biochemistry, St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Director of Pathology, Barts and London NHS Trust.