Our Network of Consultants

A PhD consultant in the biotechnology and life sciences industry with over 17 years of experience working internationally. Specializing in customer insights, market-driven product development and strategic marketing, with expertise in genomic medicine, gene therapy, cell therapy, nanomedicine, NGS, molecular diagnostics, oncology, and more. Held leadership positions in biotech and life sciences companies in Canada, US and UK, including Abcam, STEMCELL Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cytiva/Danaher.

I have a a D.Phil. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford with first author publication in Nature Immunology; an MSc from University of Toronto and a BSc (Honours) from University of British Columbia.

Consulting Services include:
Voice of Customer/Customer Insights
Market Driven Product Requirements
Value Propositions and Product Positioning
Product-Market fit
Competitor Landscape Assessments
Pricing Strategies
Go to Market Strategies

With over a decade's experience in Life Sciences, Biotechnology Commercialization and Law, I have developed a broad scope of skills in various fields, ranging from sales and marketing, to regulatory and logistic affairs. During my time as business developer, I assisted companies in establishing global distribution networks, raised global awareness through marketing campaigns, and increased sales revenue three-fold within 18 months. I have substantial experience in biotech commercialization and have successfully overseen the commercial release of more than 80 products into the global market.

I specialize in assisting companies to develop and expand their business in South Africa and other African countries. This process entails the development and implementation of a commercial strategy that is tailored for the specific territory of interest, as well as the establishment of customer and distributor networks, and guidance as to regulatory compliance and logistic considerations. I have an aptitude for relationship building, strategic planning and target customer profiling, which forms the foundation of my business development capabilities.

With more than 10 years of R&D experience in biochemistry and infection biology, I am a Senior Scientist for Surface Chemistry in Biotechnology at e-Proteins, the world leader in avidin derivatives production. I have been applying my expertise and skills to develop innovative binding protein solutions for diagnostic, biotech, and pharma industries, addressing the main challenges of streptavidin-based applications.

As a team leader and co-founder of Sapoto, I have also been managing and coordinating a team of 30 employees, integrating external service providers, and overseeing the quality management activities for other test centers. I hold the credentials of QMB Manager and Internal Auditor, which enable me to ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, and GCP standards. My mission is to contribute to the advancement of biotechnology and improve the quality and reliability of binding protein products.

A distinguished life science professional with over 33 years of extensive experience in research, leadership, and innovation, adeptly navigating the complexities of the biotech and life science sectors as the founder of LMF Biosciences and currently holding key executive positions at Biosensis Pty. Limited, Symansis Limited, as well as previous roles at EMD-Millipore and Chemicon. I have demonstrated exceptional prowess in driving organizational growth, developing strategic partnerships, and leading high-impact projects across various scientific disciplines from Cell Biology and Neuroscience to Molecular Biology, Cancer, and Metabolic Disease.
My career is highlighted by significant contributions to technical and customer service excellence, playing a pivotal role in the success of major companies like Millipore and Chemicon International. My expertise encompasses a wide range of technical skills, from the basics of immunohistochemistry and western blot, DNA/RNA manipulation, molecular cloning, and PCR to a comprehensive knowledge of cell culture techniques and protein analysis, making me a respected educator and trainer in the life science community.

With a solid track record of leading multi-person teams and directing technical service organizations, I have consistently delivered world-class service, support, and scientific assistance crucial to business success in the life science reagents sector. My strategic vision and innovative approach have been instrumental in product development, customer engagement, and identifying future growth areas, enabling companies to better anticipate and meet the diverse needs of their customers.

Beyond technical expertise, my leadership roles have showcased my ability to effectively manage and expand life science markets, achieving and surpassing sales targets while fostering sustainable growth. My entrepreneurial spirit, scientific understanding, and business insight make me an invaluable asset to any organization aiming to excel in the competitive biotech and life science research reagents landscape.

In summary, I offer a unique blend of scientific excellence, strategic business management, and visionary leadership, making me an ideal candidate for roles that demand depth of knowledge, innovative thinking, and a proven track record of success in the life sciences sector.

I consider myself an "all-rounder," but as a consultant, I focus on helping clients with their marketing, bringing my experience from the last 25 years working in a range of commercial roles at top life science companies. After a Ph.D. and post-docs, I started my first non-lab role in tech support, then developed my business skills in sales and business development before progressing to senior management positions in marketing, product management, and business unit management, where I founded and led international teams.

I've worked with commercial and technical teams at >200 life science companies - distributors, manufacturers, and OEM resellers in public companies, private companies, and startups. As a consultant, I take on a range of commercial projects, mainly in the marketing/product management realm, specializing in writing engaging content to attract and convert customers, including websites and sales tools.

With a distinguished background, which includes a PhD and an eMBA, I seamlessly integrate scientific and technical expertise with a profound understanding of global business strategy in chemistry for the biology, assay development and detection methods.

Innovator with extensive experience and a proven track record of developing successful corporate strategies that increase revenues in the Life Sciences industry. Creative visionary and change agent who identifies growth markets, business drivers and builds collaborative global and cross-functional relationships. Recognized for combining transformational business strategies with supporting business cases, operating plans, budgets, and programs.
EXPERTISE
Strategic Planning | M&A | Financial Analysis | Partnerships and IVs | Market Assessments | Negotiation | Deal Structuring | Due Diligence
APPLICATIONS
Flow cytometry, antibodies, reagents, dyes, instruments ( sorters and analyzers)

Senior technical expertise on antibodies and immunoassays

With a thorough background of molecular cell biology and biochemistry, I have accrued multi-disciplinary knowledge and experience while working in both academic and commercial environments with an emphasis on antibodies and immunoassays. During my CSO appointment at an antibody manufacturer, I have gained global recognition on my knowledge of commercial antibodies and their validation through meetings and publications. During my time involving drugs discovery I have developed several assays and filed for patents. I have tutored and trained assistants to very high standard, and many of them have moved on the career ladder since then. After I have written SOPs in a GLP-audited CRO and many technical and managerial SOPs for a fast-growing research antibody manufacturer, my focus has been on protein biomarkers and antibody validation to industrial standard. This focus led to a thorough understanding of etiologies at protein level and of diagnostics and medical interventions. My understanding of physical, chemical, and pharmacological principles made me ready to move on as an independent consultant to aid antibody manufacturers and in vitro diagnostics industries. My interest in strategic planning has helped me thinking creatively thus providing valuable inspirations to move biotech/pharma companies forward.
Based on the above, I was in the opportunity to set up my own company to introduce a long sought after quality standard for commercial tool antibodies. This concept may ultimately also work for the early discovery of candidate therapeutic antibodies.
My expertise is now available to assist in technical or strategic hurdles when complementary experience is required. When assistance is needed for a start-up or for a well-established company, confidentiality is guaranteed, and NDAs can be exchanged when required.

30+ years of experience in the Life Sciences Industry, with particular expertise in research tools including antibodies, recombinant proteins and associated kits.
I have a PhD in Immunology, and commercial experience at Board level as Site Director, Commercial Director and Chairman. I have worked with family businesses, listed companies and PE backed companies, and have experience of developing companies to successful trade exits. My focus within industry has always been to identify new opportunities with either technology or with customers, and to execute those as quickly and effectively as possible.
Commercially I have gained in depth experience in a range of roles, and can offer advice in Business Development, Strategy, Operational and Technical areas My in-depth experience includes:-

Business Strategy
Reagent in-licensing and out-licensing
Supply agreements
Business development with major IVD and Pharmaceutical customers
Product development
P&L analysis and responsibility
Quality Systems
Developing and leading Commercial Sales and Marketing teams
Operational expertise and commercial reagent manufacturing

Having worked, as a VP and MD in the recombinant protein industry for 29+ years I have set up and run European legal entities and operations for a North American based business. I have identified and developed target markets and clients, establishing and growing the customer base, distribution channels and market share across multiple territories, including Europe, China and Japan, as well as guiding and shaping policy and direction from the North American Headquarters.
I have experience of setting up and developing individual and group management structures, of managing regional companies’ P&L, and of identifying and rolling out KPI’s, in alignment with corporate growth and direction. The responsibility and development of internal and external brand proposition and corporate communications, developing Go To Market strategies and delivery, as well as the overall marketing concepts have formed a core element of my experience.
I oversaw the strategic and business elements of the transition from RUO arena to that of GMP, working closely alongside the manufacturing and regulatory team.
Having served on the global Board and executive team, I have created and led teams across multiple job functions and markets. In addition I acted as an integral senior team member preparing a multinational business for sale, as I worked on the due diligence of the acquisition, as well as providing support and guidance for the early stages of post transaction integration.
My aim as a consultant and as a mentor is to bring knowledge, experience, skills, support, and hopefully reassurance, to help others develop and build their brands, teams, and businesses.

Our consultants have extensive experience of working within start-up and small company environments and have developed their skills and expertise across a variety of disciplines within the IVD industry including, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, design and development, innovation, manufacturing and Notified Body lead auditing.

Our credentials include the preparation and management of international regulatory submissions, QMS implementation and maintenance in compliance with global regulatory requirements and the successful development and commercialisation of IVD products within entrepreneurial settings.

Noteworthy former senior leadership roles within pioneering IVD companies include Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, Chief Technology Officer, Head of Site and Director of Innovation and New Technologies.

We offer a range of pragmatic, flexible and customised consulting and training services covering regulatory, quality, product development and innovation to support our clients from product concept to commercialisation and beyond. These include:
• Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRCC).
• Product classification and regulatory strategy.
• Performance evaluation planning and reporting, including scientific validity, analytical performance and clinical performance.
• Risk management (ISO 14971).
• Preparation of regulatory submissions in compliance with the UK MDR, EU IVDR and other global regulations.
• Technical documentation review and remediation.
• Review of marketing, product packaging, labelling and instructions for use to ensure compliance with global requirements.
• Post-market surveillance and vigilance guidance.
• Gap analysis.
• Identification of applicable standards.
• QMS implementation, remediation and maintenance in conformity with ISO 13485, MDSAP and other global requirements.
• Quality planning guidance, including quality objectives and management of changes to the QMS.
• Quality impact assessment of design and development activities.
• Manufacturing and QC documentation guidance.
• Supplier control, including the control of critical outsourced processes.
• Equipment and QMS software validation guidance.
• Control of nonconformities, including root cause analysis, corrective action and preventive action.
• Management review.
• Internal auditing and gap analysis.
• Innovation input to new product concepts.
• Evaluation of novel technologies for IVD applications.