Volpara Health Technologies (ASX:VHT) has announced changes to its board and leadership team in a move it says is designed to support its next phase of growth.
After 13 years, Dr Ralph Highnam is transitioning from the group chief executive to the company’s chief science and innovation officer. He is also stepping down as a director of the company.
Teri Thomas, a highly experienced healthcare industry executive, has been named the new group chief executive officer.
“For the past 18 months Thomas and Highnam have been close collaborators in defining the company’s strategic direction,” said chairman Paul Reid.
“On the cusp of our six-year ASX listing anniversary, the board is fortunate to have them moving into key strategic roles that will deliver more value for patients, customers, employees and shareholders.”
Volpara has analysed over 56 million mammography images and has assessed the breast composition of more than 13 million women in 39 countries.
The company said its outgoing chief executive and new chief science and innovation officer will not focus on leveraging the data to develop AI enhancements and strengthen the company’s portfolio.
“Over the last decade, we’ve collated one of the world’s biggest datasets of breast images, a team of bright scientists and a diverse set of industry and academic partners,” said Dr Highnam. “Our customers are among the most prestigious healthcare institutions in the world. I’m thrilled to focus my 30 years of experience in healthcare AI toward Volpara’s innovation engine and developing new revenue streams.”
Teri Thomas has a long history of executive management in the healthcare industry, ranging from strategy and operations to running global sales and marketing teams.
“Volpara is very purpose and values-driven. I’m delighted that the board has chosen me to lead the company into a new era of profitable growth, accelerated by innovation,” she said.
“I am turning commercial responsibility over to a gifted and experienced leader at a time where we are getting not just closer to early detection but prevention of breast cancer. Teri’s experience is ideal to help Volpara achieve its mission by reaching more patients in more ways,” added Dr Highnam.
