Australian-based bio-separations and reproductive biotechnology company Memphasys Limited (ASX: MEM) has appointed Robert Cooke to the position of Non-Executive Chair.
With a 40+ year career in the health industry, Mr Cooke is a highly strategic and results focussed private health care leader.
His experience spans executive leadership of publicly listed and privately owned healthcare companies, overseeing numerous M&A transactions, and management of private and public hospitals in Australia, Asia and the UK.
He has a proven track record in setting strategy and delivering successful outcomes for stakeholders and shareholders, highly effective interaction with the financial community, and holds a unique understanding of the complex dynamics of the health care industry.
Mr Cooke is currently Non-Executive Chairman of OptiScan Imaging (ASX: OIL), a global leader in the development of microscopic imaging and related technologies for surgery and medical research based in Victoria.
He was the former Managing Director and CEO of Healthscope, one of Australia’s leading private hospital, medical centre and pathology operators, between 2010 and 2017. He led the $1.73 billion buyout of Healthscope with two of the world’s largest private equity companies, TPG and The Carlyle Group, and was Executive Chairman under its period of private ownership until July 2014, when it successfully re-listed on the ASX. He was Managing Director and CEO until May 2017.
With the appointment of Mr Cooke as Non-Executive Chair, Alison Coutts has been appointed to the positions of Managing Director and CEO of the company.
Securing someone with the experience, capabilities and proven track record in the healthcare sector as Mr Cooke is a significant gain for Memphasys and our shareholders,” Ms Coutts said.
“His appointment comes at a pivotal time as we accelerate the commercialisation path of our Felix device while further developing our world-class product portfolio addressing major human and animal reproduction issues.
“His appointment also provides more time for me to focus on my executive role within the Company. I welcome him to the Memphasys board and very much look forward to working with him in this role.”
Memphasys has also announced that Shane Hartwig has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Director of the Company effective 25 April 2022.
Mr Hartwig, who joined the Memphasys board in July 2019, has resigned to focus on other business interests. The Memphasys board wish to thank Mr Hartwig for all his efforts over the past few years.
