Australia’s national member-based biotechnology organisation, AusBiotech, is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors to its Board of Directors; Professor John Skerritt, Enterprise Professor in Health Research Impact at the University of Melbourne; and Dr Liz Dallimore, CEO and Managing Director, Argenica Therapeutics Ltd.
Seasoned health and life science leader Professor John Skerritt has been appointed to the AusBiotech Board, bringing decades of experience in research translation, commercialisation, policy and regulation. Professor Skerritt is the former Deputy Secretary of the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, and led the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for 10 years, he was also responsible for regulation of gene technology and industrial chemicals and control of drug import, export, and production.
Professor Skerritt has played a major role in advising the Australian Government on the establishment of an mRNA vaccines and medicines industry. He was previously the most senior scientific leader in Australia’s Foreign Affairs portfolio, leading implementation of more than $1billion in collaborative scientific programs between Australia and regional countries. He helped lead Australia’s COVID-19 response and was one of the public media faces of the response.
Professor Skerritt said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of Australia’s life sciences industry via the AusBiotech Board. I look forward to working with fellow Directors to advocate for Australia’s biotech industry and its tremendous potential in Australia’s health and economic wealth.”
Dr James Campbell, AusBiotech’s Interim Chair, said that “Professor Skerritt’s appointment brings extensive government and policy experience as well as deep scientific experience to the Board. His connectivity with national initiatives and the broader sector will aid AusBiotech in working collaboratively to drive policy that reinforces the strength of biotechnology in Australia’s future.”
Dr Liz Dallimore has also been appointed to the AusBiotech Board, and brings with her deep experience in both biotechnology and management consulting with more than 20 years’ experience across Australia and the UK.
As the CEO and Managing Director of Argenica Therapeutics (ASX:AGN), a West Australian clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies to treat stroke and other neurological conditions, Dr Dallimore led the company’s ASX IPO in June 2021 and has advanced the company from pre-clinical research into a Phase 2 clinical trial in stroke patients. She is also the Co-Founder and Executive Chair of medical device company Inspiring Holdings, a company developing devices for improved inhaled drug delivery.
Dr Dallimore has previously held senior roles in management consulting as KPMG’s National Director of Research Engagement and Commercialisation, structuring technology commercialisation deals across a range of sectors. Prior to this, she held senior roles with Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Dr Dallimore is also a Non-Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, and an industry advisor to Telethon Kids Institute and Curtin University.
“I am honoured to be appointed to the AusBiotech Board of Directors, joining a group of dedicated and passionate industry leaders who are motivated to further grow and develop Australia’s world-class life science ecosystem,” Dr Dallimore said.
On behalf of the AusBiotech Board, Dr Campbell stated his pleasure in welcoming both Professor Skerritt and Dr Dallimore to the Board as Non-Executive Directors. “These new appointments bring fresh perspectives and insight that will position AusBiotech to represent the best interests of our diverse membership at the national level.”
In addition to the two new appointments, Dr Megan Baldwin, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Opthea Ltd (ASX:OPT; NASDAQ:OPT), has been reappointed to the Board, formally commencing her third term as an appointed Non-Executive Director.
The new AusBiotech Board line-up includes:
- Dr James Campbell, CEO, Patrys Ltd; Interim Chair, AusBiotech
- Ms Erica Kneipp, Research Director, Human Health, CSIRO; Deputy Chair, AusBiotech
- Dr Megan Baldwin, Chief Innovation Officer, Opthea Ltd (ASX:OPT); Risk and Audit Sub-Committee, Chair
- Dr Dean Moss, CEO, UniQuest Pty Ltd; Remuneration and Nomination Sub-Committee, Chair
- Dr Iris Depaz, Country Medical Lead & Head of Medical, Vaccines, Sanofi Australia & New Zealand
- Dr Marthe D’Ombrain, Head of Global Research Innovation, CSL Ltd
- Professor John Skerritt, Enterprise Professor in Health Research Impact, University of Melbourne
- Dr Liz Dallimore, CEO & Managing Director, Argenica Therapeutics Ltd
- Ms Lorraine Chiroiu, CEO & Managing Director, AusBiotech (until 15 December 2023)
