New Zealand Health Innovation Hub Appoints Chief Executive

30 November 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

New Zealand Health Innovation Hub Appoints Chief Executive

The chairman of the New Zealand Health Innovation Hub, Dr Murray Horn, today announced the appointment of the Hub’s chief executive.

“After an extensive international search, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Frances Guyett, to the position of inaugural chief executive of the New Zealand Health Innovation Hub.

Dr Guyett comes to us from Melbourne where she has been working with the RMIT University Science, Engineering and Health College as Director, Industry Engagement and Commercialisation.

Prior to that role she spent six years as chief executive of RDDT Laboratories in Melbourne. RDDT Laboratories is a research organisation providing services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical industries specialising in medical devices, oncology, cardiovascular and dermatology research. She has held other senior industry appointments in business development and pharmaceutical companies in Australia, Japan, Europe, the United States and Latin American countries.

“We are very fortunate to have secured the services of someone with such an exemplary track record and proven experience. Frances’ strong technical background in emerging technologies and research in aligned fields along with her international business expertise in global markets gives me confidence she will provide the Hub with strong leadership,” Murray Horn said.

Dr Frances Guyett is passionate about working alongside others to bring about opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and potentially, the wealth of countries. She has worked around the world over the past 20 years in a range of roles that have provided her with rich experiences working alongside innovators.

Frances believes New Zealand is a land of opportunity. “There is a wealth of talent and New Zealand has what it takes to become a world-leading innovation and clinical trials centre. I am keen to learn more about some of the projects the NZ Health Innovation Hub already has on the drawing board.

“I will be working to ensure the intellectual property of products such as medical devices is secured at an early stage to protect the interests of developers and maximise the global potential of marketable products.

Frances said she is particularly looking forward to meeting staff at the four foundation DHBs as well as those involved in the wider health research and technology industries. One of her first tasks will be building the capacity and capabilities of the NZ Health Innovation Hub team.

“This is a unique opportunity to set the direction of a start-up that has government backing and limitless opportunities to really make a difference. This position will draw on my international skills, contacts and experience in a young organisation which really does have the potential to improve the lives of patients and also make it easier for those who work in health and related fields to develop their good ideas. Realising potential is satisfying work,” Dr Guyett said.

In addition to her current role in Australia, Frances also mentors and coaches young researchers helping them navigate the minefield of research, funding and commercialising intellectual property. She is also involved with a range of non-profit organisations providing them with strategic planning advice.

Frances Guyett was born and raised in Australia and comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Her husband is a dairy farmer and she has a daughter at university in Melbourne. They are looking forward to experiencing the kiwi lifestyle.

Dr Guyett will be based in Auckland and take up the position of chief executive in January 2013.

Further information on the New Zealand Health Innovation Hub can be found at www.innovation.health.nz

Note to editors:

The New Zealand Health Innovation Hub was set up earlier this year. It’s been established to help nurture and grow New Zealand’s health technology industry and to support the widespread adoption of leading innovations developed within the public health sector.

The Hub brings together health and industry innovators, streamlining progression from concept to prototype to clinical validation and commercial success.

The New Zealand Health Innovation Hub is a partnership between four of New Zealand’s biggest DHBs: Auckland, Canterbury, Counties Manukau and Waitemata. The Hub also has the backing of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Auckland Tourism Events Economic Development and the Canterbury Development Corporation.

ENDS

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