Why Attend
The 5th Animal Health Innovation USA is the must attend networking event in North America for innovators with new solutions to support the detection, prevention or treatment of diseases in animals.
Our mission is to showcase the most exciting investment opportunities in the sector and connect those businesses with financial investors and strategic corporate partners.
Alongside our investment pitches, we include keynote presentations and host CEO-level panel discussions that address the most pressing trends and market dynamics of the animal health, nutrition, and technology industries, across all species.
Innovation Showcase
The Innovation Showcase is returning for 2023
The showcase is a unique opportunity for emerging companies with amazing technology to present in front of the industry’s most influential figures and investors. 20 start-ups, hand-picked by the Selection Committee, introduce themselves, their innovations and achievements on the main stage. This year, our finalists will be presenting products across health, nutrition and technology areas, taking part in either the companion showcase or production showcase.
Applications open soon!
2023 Speakers
Matt Salois
Stephen Lesser
Ron Phillips
Scott Lyle
Mark Cushing
Hannah Thompson-Weema
Tim Kurt
Susan Groeneveld
Cherylyn Harley LeBon
Rob Hunter
Bo Kowalczyk
Richard Kestenbaum
Richard is a co-founder and Partner of Triangle Capital and has been an investment banker for over 35 years. Richard has a great deal of experience advising clients in merchandising businesses, particularly in the Retail & Consumer sector. Richard is an often-quoted expert on the retail and merchandising industries. He is a Contributor to Forbes.com where he writes a regular blog about trends in retail and consumer product businesses. He also appears regularly in print and other media as well as industry panels and speaking programs.
Before co-founding Triangle, Richard was a Managing Director at a boutique investment banking firm called Financo, Inc. While at Financo, Richard was responsible for a majority of the firm’s apparel industry transactions. Prior to joining Financo, Richard was a Partner and First Vice President at Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc. At Drexel, Richard was responsible for a group of 14 professionals doing middle-market mergers and acquisitions around the world.
Richard is the co-author of three books on finance and computer programming. He is formerly an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International Business at the graduate program of the Stern School of Business at York University.
Richard received a BS in Accounting from New York University and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Harvard University. Richard is married and lives in New York.
Click here to read Richard’s blog and follow him on Forbes.com.
Pat Morand
Bruce Truman
Neal Fishman
Aaron Schacht
Prior to this role, Mr. Aaron Schacht was the Vice President of Global Research and Development / Regulatory Affairs at Elanco Animal Healthheld. Before that, he held the role of Global Brand Development Leader – Pain in Lilly Biomedicines. He was the global leader for product development and commercialization activities for LY2951742 – Lilly’s novel CGRP neutralizing antibody – a new potential treatment for prevention of Migraine and Cluster Headache. In 2012, Schacht joined Lilly Biomedicines as Senior Advisor – Strategy & Business Development for Lilly BioMedicines. His responsibilities included oversight of Therapeutic Strategy development, R&D Portfolio Management, and Business Development for Lilly BioMedicines – Lilly’s largest business unit. Past roles included serving as Executive Director, Global External R&D, at Eli Lilly and Company, where he was responsible for implementation of strategies which aim to leverage novel approaches to external partnerships to augment Lilly’s access to pharmaceutical innovation as well as Executive Director of LRL (Lilly Research Labs) Strategy, Portfolio Management and Project Management where he was responsible for strategic planning, R&D portfolio and project management. Prior to these roles, he was Director, Innovation Center in the eLilly organization where he focused on the exploration, incubation and implementation of new business models and capabilities relevant to the strategic evolution of the pharmaceutical industry. In 2002, during a short leave from Lilly, Mr. Schacht was co-founder, President and CEO of Artesian Therapeutics, a Gaithersburg, MD cardiovascular drug discovery start-up. Mr. Schacht began his career at Lilly in 1990 as a medicinal chemist, and spent 5 years in the laboratory working to discover pharmaceuticals to treat cardiovascular disorders. Schacht studied Organic chemistry at the University of Illinois, receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in 1990.
Theo Weening
Rahul Ray
Candise Goodwin
Paula Bamford
Theresa Fossum
Jennifer Radosevich
Dr. Jennifer Radosevich is Worldwide Director of Research at Hill’s Pet Nutrition where she is responsible for leading the early research team to develop and accelerate new technologies for Hill’s products. She oversees the Nutrition Innovation, Bioinformatics and Research Laboratories teams to further research platforms including nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics. She completed her PhD in Biochemistry/ Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology at Iowa State University and has over 25 years industry experience leveraging innovation to further business goals in the agribusiness, human and pet food markets.
Richard Vecqueray
Emily Aston, DVM, PhD
Brett Wong
Nicholas Hense
Lashonda Geffrard
Eric Buda
Glenn David
Christopher Oliviero
Linda Rhodes
Dr. Rhodes has 28 years of accomplishments in human and animal drug discovery, development, biomedical research, and clinical veterinary medicine.
Dr. Rhodes was educated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (VMD) and Cornell University (PhD). She has 28 years of accomplishments in human and animal drug discovery, development, biomedical research, and clinical veterinary medicine. She has an extensive background in physiology, veterinary medicine, and molecular biology. As a senior research fellow at Merck Research Laboratories for 10 years, she led pre-clinical biology evaluation of several marketed human drugs. Dr. Rhodes practiced clinical veterinary medicine for five years, with experience in both companion and farm animal practice. She worked for Merial Ltd. as director of development projects, leading project teams developing novel compounds for a variety of indications and headed new technology assessment, leading the evaluation of licensing opportunities. In April 2001, she formed AlcheraBio, a consulting, marketing, communications and contract research firm specializing in developing new drugs for animals, working with biotechnology and animal health companies, with clients in the US, European Union, Canada and Australia. AlcheraBio was acquired in 2008 by Argenta, and in 2011, Dr. Rhodes accepted a position as CEO of Aratana Therapeutics, a company developing innovative new medicines for dogs and cats, and subsequently, when the company became public (PETX) served as its Chief Scientific Officer. During her tenure, development was completed on three new pet therapeutics: two new molecules with novel mechanisms of actions were approved by the FDA, and a third drug had FDA registration completed and was approved in August, 2016. She is currently retired and an independent consultant. She is a member of the Board of Directors of ImmuCell (NASDAQ: ICCC) and the Alliance for Contraception in Dogs and Cats, serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Found Animals Foundation. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Animal Science program at Rutgers University.
Mike Charles
Victoria Mo
Michael Helmstetter
Dr. Michael Helmstetter is Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of TechAccel LLC (Technology Acceleration Partners).
TechAccel is a technology and venture development company in the agriculture and animal health sectors. The company invests in or acquires new technology and funds science advancement programs with research university partners to assist in commercialization.
Michael also serves as Managing Partner of Covenant Animal Health Partners, a TechAccel subsidiary that focuses on development of “revenue-ready” animal health products for both companion and farm animals.
Before founding TechAccel, Michael served as the fifth President and Chief Executive Officer of MRIGlobal – one of the nation's most prominent research institutions. In his 14 years with MRIGlobal (formerly Midwest Research Institute), he led its growth from 2 to 17 national and international locations.
Michael has more than 30 years of experience working with the private sector and government agencies, including laboratory management positions at Applied Marine Research Laboratory in Norfolk, Va., and program management for the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Fort Pierce, Fla. He was President and Chairman of startup Brevard Teaching and Research Laboratories, a post he held until the company was acquired by MRIGlobal.
Michael received a Ph.D. in Chemical Toxicology/Oceanography from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Biology from Allegheny College. He has been a panelist, keynote speaker, lecturer, reviewer to several journals, and is the author of numerous publications, articles, book chapters, and technical reports.
He has served on several boards, including Labconco Corp. Board of Directors and University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees, as well as numerous civic organizations. He is a contributing opinion writer for Forbes.com.
Michael lives in suburban Kansas City.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhelmstetter/
Julia Loew
Sanjeev Anand
Mike Rohlfsen
2023 Partners
Associate Partner
TechAccel
Website: http://techaccel.net/
TechAccel, LLC, is a technology and venture development company focused in the agriculture and animal health industry.
Since its founding in 2014, TechAccel sources, invests in and acquires early-stage innovations. Through collaborations with universities and research institutions, TechAccel conducts advancement and de-risking research and development to ready technologies for commercialization.
TechAccel is based in Overland Park, Kansas, with offices in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, visit www.TechAccel.net. Follow us on Twitter at @Tech_Accel.
Event Partners
Dômes Pharma
Website: https://www.domespharma.com/?lang=en
LINKED BY NATURE
WE ARE ALL LINKED BY NATURE.
HUMANS, ANIMALS & ENVIRONMENT
FORM A SINGLE ENTITY.
WITHIN DÔMES PHARMA GROUP
ALL OUR BRANDS ARE LINKED BY THE SAME VISION,
THE SAME MISSION.
ONE PLANET, ONE HEALTH.
OUR BUSINESS.
BiomEdit
BiomEdit is a microbiome innovation company that discovers, designs and develops novel probiotics, microbiome derived bioactives and engineered microbial medicines to address unmet needs in animal health. We partner with Ginkgo Bioworks to amplify and accelerate product discovery and development with a goal of introducing breakthrough innovation for livestock producers and veterinarians.
Lawless Strategic Communications
Website: www.lawlesscomms.com
At Lawless Strategic Communications, we're your Corporate Communications experts. With decades of success leading Corporate Communications at top-tier public and private companies, Julie Lawless launched Lawless Strategic Communications in 2022, bringing the Purpose + Passion approach to serve companies in animal health and nutrition, veterinary and food production sectors. From the most complex reputational and brand issues to routine transaction communications, thought leadership, internal engagement and ESG programs, our knowledge and expertise can produce significant results. We understand the industry and quickly work alongside you to enhance and protect your vision - always grounded in your strategy and Purpose. Visit us today to learn more about our approach and how we can help you at www.lawlesscomms.com.
Zomedica
Website: https://zomedica.com/
Zomedica is an animal health company focused on meeting the needs of clinical veterinarians in ways that promote both patient and practice health. Our mission is to advance the effectiveness and financial well-being of veterinary practitioners by delivering professionally beneficial diagnostic products and services.
Diversigen
Website: https://diversigen.com/
Diversigen – Your Expert Source of Reliable Microbiome/Metagenomics Services and Insights
Leverage Diversigen’s CLIA/CAP-accredited microbiome profiling/bioinformatics services across the entire clinical research project lifecycle:
- Quality Leadership - Proven expertise, CLIA/CAP accredited
- Experienced - Pre-clinical studies, large clinical trials to single individual analysis
- Consultative/customized study support
- Breadth of services -16S/metagenomics (WGS)/qPCR development
- Flexible, agnostic bio-informatic pipelines/combined bio-statistical analysis
For more information, visit www.diversigen.com
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Conference Packages
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Applicable for Primary Market, Service Provider and Industry Rates Only. Not available for Academic or ‘Start-Up’ rates
Book a Team of 3+ - Save an Additional 10% Off
Book a Team of 5+ - Save an Additional 15% Off
If you would like to register a team of 3 or more, please email [email protected] for your discount coupon code before registering. PLEASE NOTE: Discounts cannot be combined with Early Bird Pricing or any other discount or offer. If you have any questions about your registration, please call us on +44 (0)20 3696 2920
- Please note that a $70 processing fee will apply to any invoices requested.
- Any questions about your registration, please call +44 (0)20 3696 2920 or email us at [email protected].
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- All Early Bird discount prices, including Group Discounts, must be paid in full by deadlines provided above.
- No discounts or offers can be combined.
- Please view our Cancellation Policy.
- Emerging Companies are defined as early to mid-stage animal health pharmaceutical or biotech companies that are actively seeking financial investment or product licensing/acquisition. They must be engaged with this company on a full time basis. Those offering consultancy or market intelligence services do not qualify for this rate.
- Please Note: No additional discounts are available on ‘Emerging Company’ pricing.
Venue
Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA, 02199
Rate is $309+ tax per night
Terms & Conditions
In the event that Kisaco Research postpones an event for any reason or changes the event format to ‘virtual event’, any in-person registrations for this event will be automatically transferred to the virtual registration package. The delegate will receive a credit note for the difference in ticket value from the fee paid. You may use this credit for another Kisaco Research event to be mutually agreed with Kisaco Research, which must occur within 12 months from the date of the event which the delegate had originally registered for.
Global Advisory Board
Author:
Glenn David
Glenn David
Laurent Genet joined Nutreco in 2007. He has held a variety of senior management positions in Europe and Asia related to livestock and aquaculture nutrition, health and farming.
Earlier in his career, Laurent worked internationally for the largest French feed producer. He is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Laurent also studied at both the London Business School in the UK, and Affärshögskolan in Norway from which he earned qualifications in business management.
With a key focus on innovation, Laurent has contributed to Nutreco’s overarching purpose of feeding the future in numerous ways. He spearheaded the company’s first operations in Southeast Asia for both Trouw Nutrition and Skretting, as well as introducing shrimp as a new species for Skretting. Laurent also led the creation of NuFrontiers – Nutreco’s corporate venturing arm. Latterly, he has been heavily involved in identifying and bringing forward new initiatives in the fields of digital technologies, biotechnologies and alternative proteins. With 30 years of experience in animal nutrition, health and farming gained around the world, Laurent has a very clear understanding of the need to be able to look beyond current circumstances in order to prepare for the future.
Laurent Genet
Laurent Genet joined Nutreco in 2007. He has held a variety of senior management positions in Europe and Asia related to livestock and aquaculture nutrition, health and farming.
Earlier in his career, Laurent worked internationally for the largest French feed producer. He is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Laurent also studied at both the London Business School in the UK, and Affärshögskolan in Norway from which he earned qualifications in business management.
With a key focus on innovation, Laurent has contributed to Nutreco’s overarching purpose of feeding the future in numerous ways. He spearheaded the company’s first operations in Southeast Asia for both Trouw Nutrition and Skretting, as well as introducing shrimp as a new species for Skretting. Laurent also led the creation of NuFrontiers – Nutreco’s corporate venturing arm. Latterly, he has been heavily involved in identifying and bringing forward new initiatives in the fields of digital technologies, biotechnologies and alternative proteins. With 30 years of experience in animal nutrition, health and farming gained around the world, Laurent has a very clear understanding of the need to be able to look beyond current circumstances in order to prepare for the future.
Prior to this role, Mr. Aaron Schacht was the Vice President of Global Research and Development / Regulatory Affairs at Elanco Animal Healthheld. Before that, he held the role of Global Brand Development Leader – Pain in Lilly Biomedicines. He was the global leader for product development and commercialization activities for LY2951742 – Lilly’s novel CGRP neutralizing antibody – a new potential treatment for prevention of Migraine and Cluster Headache. In 2012, Schacht joined Lilly Biomedicines as Senior Advisor – Strategy & Business Development for Lilly BioMedicines. His responsibilities included oversight of Therapeutic Strategy development, R&D Portfolio Management, and Business Development for Lilly BioMedicines – Lilly’s largest business unit. Past roles included serving as Executive Director, Global External R&D, at Eli Lilly and Company, where he was responsible for implementation of strategies which aim to leverage novel approaches to external partnerships to augment Lilly’s access to pharmaceutical innovation as well as Executive Director of LRL (Lilly Research Labs) Strategy, Portfolio Management and Project Management where he was responsible for strategic planning, R&D portfolio and project management. Prior to these roles, he was Director, Innovation Center in the eLilly organization where he focused on the exploration, incubation and implementation of new business models and capabilities relevant to the strategic evolution of the pharmaceutical industry. In 2002, during a short leave from Lilly, Mr. Schacht was co-founder, President and CEO of Artesian Therapeutics, a Gaithersburg, MD cardiovascular drug discovery start-up. Mr. Schacht began his career at Lilly in 1990 as a medicinal chemist, and spent 5 years in the laboratory working to discover pharmaceuticals to treat cardiovascular disorders. Schacht studied Organic chemistry at the University of Illinois, receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in 1990.
Aaron Schacht
Prior to this role, Mr. Aaron Schacht was the Vice President of Global Research and Development / Regulatory Affairs at Elanco Animal Healthheld. Before that, he held the role of Global Brand Development Leader – Pain in Lilly Biomedicines. He was the global leader for product development and commercialization activities for LY2951742 – Lilly’s novel CGRP neutralizing antibody – a new potential treatment for prevention of Migraine and Cluster Headache. In 2012, Schacht joined Lilly Biomedicines as Senior Advisor – Strategy & Business Development for Lilly BioMedicines. His responsibilities included oversight of Therapeutic Strategy development, R&D Portfolio Management, and Business Development for Lilly BioMedicines – Lilly’s largest business unit. Past roles included serving as Executive Director, Global External R&D, at Eli Lilly and Company, where he was responsible for implementation of strategies which aim to leverage novel approaches to external partnerships to augment Lilly’s access to pharmaceutical innovation as well as Executive Director of LRL (Lilly Research Labs) Strategy, Portfolio Management and Project Management where he was responsible for strategic planning, R&D portfolio and project management. Prior to these roles, he was Director, Innovation Center in the eLilly organization where he focused on the exploration, incubation and implementation of new business models and capabilities relevant to the strategic evolution of the pharmaceutical industry. In 2002, during a short leave from Lilly, Mr. Schacht was co-founder, President and CEO of Artesian Therapeutics, a Gaithersburg, MD cardiovascular drug discovery start-up. Mr. Schacht began his career at Lilly in 1990 as a medicinal chemist, and spent 5 years in the laboratory working to discover pharmaceuticals to treat cardiovascular disorders. Schacht studied Organic chemistry at the University of Illinois, receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in 1990.
Sébastien Huron, 46, DVM, started his career in 1994 in Brazil in the Hoechst-Roussel group where he rapidly rose to become the Marketing director of the animal health division. After Intervet acquired this division (Akzo Nobel group), which was then integrated into the Merck Group, Sébastien Huron pursued his career in 2000 in the United States as Market Development director, and then as director of the Pet division. After rejoining the Virbac group in 2006 as the general manager of the Spanish subsidiary, he then became the director of the European region in 2008, and then head of Global Business Operations in 2013. He has been part of the Virbac executive board since December 2012.
Sébastien Huron
Sébastien Huron, 46, DVM, started his career in 1994 in Brazil in the Hoechst-Roussel group where he rapidly rose to become the Marketing director of the animal health division. After Intervet acquired this division (Akzo Nobel group), which was then integrated into the Merck Group, Sébastien Huron pursued his career in 2000 in the United States as Market Development director, and then as director of the Pet division. After rejoining the Virbac group in 2006 as the general manager of the Spanish subsidiary, he then became the director of the European region in 2008, and then head of Global Business Operations in 2013. He has been part of the Virbac executive board since December 2012.
Author:
Jean-Luc Michel
After graduating from the University of Pharmacy of Lyon with a Doctorate and from EM Lyon Business School with an MBA, Jean-Luc Michel started his career by creating his own consultancy company. He joined the pharmaceutical industry in 1991 spending 10 years developing a solid expertise in consumer healthcare and nutrition. During this period, he held a variety of senior marketing and sales management positions in France at Monsanto (Searle) and at Johnson&Johnson / Merck & Co where he was an Executive Committee member of the French subsidiary.
In 2001, Jean-Luc joined Merial, a leader in the animal health industry, where he held some key senior roles, such as EMEA Marketing Director of the Companion Animal Global Enterprise; Head of Marketing EMEA; Executive Marketing Director (Pet Business) in the US; VP, Head of Pet Vet Business Unit; and in 2016 joined the Executive Committee of Merial as Head of Global Commercial Development.
After the acquisition of Merial by Boehringer Ingelheim, Jean-Luc was appointed Head of Global Companion Animal Strategic Business Unit and became a member of the Executive Committee of the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit.
Jean-Luc Michel
After graduating from the University of Pharmacy of Lyon with a Doctorate and from EM Lyon Business School with an MBA, Jean-Luc Michel started his career by creating his own consultancy company. He joined the pharmaceutical industry in 1991 spending 10 years developing a solid expertise in consumer healthcare and nutrition. During this period, he held a variety of senior marketing and sales management positions in France at Monsanto (Searle) and at Johnson&Johnson / Merck & Co where he was an Executive Committee member of the French subsidiary.
In 2001, Jean-Luc joined Merial, a leader in the animal health industry, where he held some key senior roles, such as EMEA Marketing Director of the Companion Animal Global Enterprise; Head of Marketing EMEA; Executive Marketing Director (Pet Business) in the US; VP, Head of Pet Vet Business Unit; and in 2016 joined the Executive Committee of Merial as Head of Global Commercial Development.
After the acquisition of Merial by Boehringer Ingelheim, Jean-Luc was appointed Head of Global Companion Animal Strategic Business Unit and became a member of the Executive Committee of the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit.
Ms. Turner has been Corporate Vice President of IDEXX since May 2014 and leads the Company’s Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) Companion Animal Commercial Operations. Prior to joining the Company, from 1987 to May 2014, Ms. Turner held various leadership positions at Abbott Laboratories, Inc., a broad-based healthcare company that manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, medical products and diagnostics. Most recently, Ms. Turner was Divisional Vice President of European Commercial Operations for the Diagnostics Division from 2011 to 2014, and prior to that, Divisional Vice President of Global Strategic Operations for the Diagnostics Division from 2007 to 2011. Ms. Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising from Syracuse University.
Kathy V. Turner
Ms. Turner has been Corporate Vice President of IDEXX since May 2014 and leads the Company’s Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) Companion Animal Commercial Operations. Prior to joining the Company, from 1987 to May 2014, Ms. Turner held various leadership positions at Abbott Laboratories, Inc., a broad-based healthcare company that manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, medical products and diagnostics. Most recently, Ms. Turner was Divisional Vice President of European Commercial Operations for the Diagnostics Division from 2011 to 2014, and prior to that, Divisional Vice President of Global Strategic Operations for the Diagnostics Division from 2007 to 2011. Ms. Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising from Syracuse University.
Tom Zerzan
Dr. Rhodes has 28 years of accomplishments in human and animal drug discovery, development, biomedical research, and clinical veterinary medicine.
Dr. Rhodes was educated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (VMD) and Cornell University (PhD). She has 28 years of accomplishments in human and animal drug discovery, development, biomedical research, and clinical veterinary medicine. She has an extensive background in physiology, veterinary medicine, and molecular biology. As a senior research fellow at Merck Research Laboratories for 10 years, she led pre-clinical biology evaluation of several marketed human drugs. Dr. Rhodes practiced clinical veterinary medicine for five years, with experience in both companion and farm animal practice. She worked for Merial Ltd. as director of development projects, leading project teams developing novel compounds for a variety of indications and headed new technology assessment, leading the evaluation of licensing opportunities. In April 2001, she formed AlcheraBio, a consulting, marketing, communications and contract research firm specializing in developing new drugs for animals, working with biotechnology and animal health companies, with clients in the US, European Union, Canada and Australia. AlcheraBio was acquired in 2008 by Argenta, and in 2011, Dr. Rhodes accepted a position as CEO of Aratana Therapeutics, a company developing innovative new medicines for dogs and cats, and subsequently, when the company became public (PETX) served as its Chief Scientific Officer. During her tenure, development was completed on three new pet therapeutics: two new molecules with novel mechanisms of actions were approved by the FDA, and a third drug had FDA registration completed and was approved in August, 2016. She is currently retired and an independent consultant. She is a member of the Board of Directors of ImmuCell (NASDAQ: ICCC) and the Alliance for Contraception in Dogs and Cats, serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Found Animals Foundation. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Animal Science program at Rutgers University.
Linda Rhodes
Dr. Rhodes has 28 years of accomplishments in human and animal drug discovery, development, biomedical research, and clinical veterinary medicine.
Dr. Rhodes was educated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (VMD) and Cornell University (PhD). She has 28 years of accomplishments in human and animal drug discovery, development, biomedical research, and clinical veterinary medicine. She has an extensive background in physiology, veterinary medicine, and molecular biology. As a senior research fellow at Merck Research Laboratories for 10 years, she led pre-clinical biology evaluation of several marketed human drugs. Dr. Rhodes practiced clinical veterinary medicine for five years, with experience in both companion and farm animal practice. She worked for Merial Ltd. as director of development projects, leading project teams developing novel compounds for a variety of indications and headed new technology assessment, leading the evaluation of licensing opportunities. In April 2001, she formed AlcheraBio, a consulting, marketing, communications and contract research firm specializing in developing new drugs for animals, working with biotechnology and animal health companies, with clients in the US, European Union, Canada and Australia. AlcheraBio was acquired in 2008 by Argenta, and in 2011, Dr. Rhodes accepted a position as CEO of Aratana Therapeutics, a company developing innovative new medicines for dogs and cats, and subsequently, when the company became public (PETX) served as its Chief Scientific Officer. During her tenure, development was completed on three new pet therapeutics: two new molecules with novel mechanisms of actions were approved by the FDA, and a third drug had FDA registration completed and was approved in August, 2016. She is currently retired and an independent consultant. She is a member of the Board of Directors of ImmuCell (NASDAQ: ICCC) and the Alliance for Contraception in Dogs and Cats, serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Found Animals Foundation. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Animal Science program at Rutgers University.
Alan has been a private equity investor for more than 25 years in roles including Senior Partner and Global Head of Healthcare at the private equity firm 3i Group plc. He was appointed to the board of 3i plc in 1993 and became CEO of 3i Nordic plc, based in Stockholm, upon the acquisition of Sweden's largest listed private equity company Atle AB in 2001. Alan has served on the boards of a number of healthcare companies, including most recently Phibro Animal Health Corporation which completed a successful initial public offering (IPO) in April 2014. Latterly he has been Managing Partner, CEO, and Chairman of the Investment Committee, of Hermes GPE, an active co-investor in private equity backed healthcare. Alan holds a Bachelor's degree in Law, an MSc in Enterprise and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD. He is Chair of the BVCA for 2016 – 2017 and previously chaired its Responsible Investment Advisory Board.
Alan Mackay
Alan has been a private equity investor for more than 25 years in roles including Senior Partner and Global Head of Healthcare at the private equity firm 3i Group plc. He was appointed to the board of 3i plc in 1993 and became CEO of 3i Nordic plc, based in Stockholm, upon the acquisition of Sweden's largest listed private equity company Atle AB in 2001. Alan has served on the boards of a number of healthcare companies, including most recently Phibro Animal Health Corporation which completed a successful initial public offering (IPO) in April 2014. Latterly he has been Managing Partner, CEO, and Chairman of the Investment Committee, of Hermes GPE, an active co-investor in private equity backed healthcare. Alan holds a Bachelor's degree in Law, an MSc in Enterprise and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD. He is Chair of the BVCA for 2016 – 2017 and previously chaired its Responsible Investment Advisory Board.
Selection Committee
Charles is a healthcare focused investment banker with approximately 20 years’ experience with specialty pharmaceutical companies in the US and Europe. Previously Charles was Managing Director for the international healthcare team at BofA Merrill Lynch and currently leads Commerzbank’s global healthcare team. During this time he has advised multiple companies on public and private capital raises, debt financing, mergers, acquisitions and out-licensing transactions.
He has a particular focus on the veterinary healthcare sector, where he has been involved in transactions for almost all of the top 15 companies in the sector. Recent transactions include advising Virbac on the acquisition of the Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum brands from Novartis, advising Lohmann Animal Health on its sale to Eli Lilly, advising Pharmaq on Permira’s investment in the company and assisting United Biomedical with creating a global strategic alliance for its swine vaccine portfolio.
Charles also chairs the Commercialisation committee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and serves on the school’s Finance and Planning committee. In addition, he is Chairman of the Bulldog Trust, which funds and supports entrepreneurial charities, and sits on the Boards of Directors of Placehill Limited (growth capital), Laguna Ventures Limited (late stage venture finance) and Atlantic Healthcare plc.
Charles Hoare
Charles is a healthcare focused investment banker with approximately 20 years’ experience with specialty pharmaceutical companies in the US and Europe. Previously Charles was Managing Director for the international healthcare team at BofA Merrill Lynch and currently leads Commerzbank’s global healthcare team. During this time he has advised multiple companies on public and private capital raises, debt financing, mergers, acquisitions and out-licensing transactions.
He has a particular focus on the veterinary healthcare sector, where he has been involved in transactions for almost all of the top 15 companies in the sector. Recent transactions include advising Virbac on the acquisition of the Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum brands from Novartis, advising Lohmann Animal Health on its sale to Eli Lilly, advising Pharmaq on Permira’s investment in the company and assisting United Biomedical with creating a global strategic alliance for its swine vaccine portfolio.
Charles also chairs the Commercialisation committee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and serves on the school’s Finance and Planning committee. In addition, he is Chairman of the Bulldog Trust, which funds and supports entrepreneurial charities, and sits on the Boards of Directors of Placehill Limited (growth capital), Laguna Ventures Limited (late stage venture finance) and Atlantic Healthcare plc.
Matthias Hofer is the Managing Partner at Stonehaven Consulting AG with over 15 years of experience in Animal Health. He served on the executive committees of two major Animal Health companies for a total of 7 years. Between 2009 and 2013 he led the global Aqua Health business at Novartis Animal Health (NAH). Later on, he was Global Leader Emerging Business at Elanco and a member of Elanco’s global executive committee. During 2014 and with Elanco’s intention to buy NAH, Matthias served as overall pre-merger integration leader on the Novartis side. In that role, Matthias led a large team and efforts to prepare integration pre-closing overall including carve-out preparations of operations linked to Novartis.
Matthias Hofer
Matthias Hofer is the Managing Partner at Stonehaven Consulting AG with over 15 years of experience in Animal Health. He served on the executive committees of two major Animal Health companies for a total of 7 years. Between 2009 and 2013 he led the global Aqua Health business at Novartis Animal Health (NAH). Later on, he was Global Leader Emerging Business at Elanco and a member of Elanco’s global executive committee. During 2014 and with Elanco’s intention to buy NAH, Matthias served as overall pre-merger integration leader on the Novartis side. In that role, Matthias led a large team and efforts to prepare integration pre-closing overall including carve-out preparations of operations linked to Novartis.
Julia Stephanus is a 30 year veteran of the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Currently Julia is President of Avviare, a consulting firm specializing in supporting veterinary focused start-ups.
Julia has been involved in the development and launch of 28 veterinary products. She has been a senior executive in two start-up pharmaceutical companies (Aratana Therapeutics and Summit VetPharm), and held key positions at multi-nationals including Pfizer (now Zoetis) and its legacy companies.
As Chief Commercial Officer of Aratana Julia provided the commercial leadership resulting in a successful IPO (NASDAQ:PETX), high-impact corporate branding, innovative go-to-market strategies for five therapeutics and the staffing of the inaugural commercial organization.
As founder and CEO of Summit VetPharm, Julia developed and launched a new line of companion animal parasiticides, grew the company to a cash flow positive position with 85 employees in five years and divested the company to Ceva Animal Health in 2010. A graduate of Indiana University, she has continued her executive training at Harvard, Columbia, University of Chicago and the Wharton School of Business.
Julia Stephanus
Julia Stephanus is a 30 year veteran of the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Currently Julia is President of Avviare, a consulting firm specializing in supporting veterinary focused start-ups.
Julia has been involved in the development and launch of 28 veterinary products. She has been a senior executive in two start-up pharmaceutical companies (Aratana Therapeutics and Summit VetPharm), and held key positions at multi-nationals including Pfizer (now Zoetis) and its legacy companies.
As Chief Commercial Officer of Aratana Julia provided the commercial leadership resulting in a successful IPO (NASDAQ:PETX), high-impact corporate branding, innovative go-to-market strategies for five therapeutics and the staffing of the inaugural commercial organization.
As founder and CEO of Summit VetPharm, Julia developed and launched a new line of companion animal parasiticides, grew the company to a cash flow positive position with 85 employees in five years and divested the company to Ceva Animal Health in 2010. A graduate of Indiana University, she has continued her executive training at Harvard, Columbia, University of Chicago and the Wharton School of Business.
Claire is an Associate at Anterra Capital. Prior to joining Anterra, she was the Chief of Staff at Crestovo, a biotech start-up developing microbiome-based therapies for infectious diseases. Before that, she worked as a consultant at ClearView Healthcare Partners, where she advised pharmaceutical and biotech clients on a variety of growth strategy topics. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Bachelor of Science degrees in biological engineering and management science.
Claire Smith
Claire is an Associate at Anterra Capital. Prior to joining Anterra, she was the Chief of Staff at Crestovo, a biotech start-up developing microbiome-based therapies for infectious diseases. Before that, she worked as a consultant at ClearView Healthcare Partners, where she advised pharmaceutical and biotech clients on a variety of growth strategy topics. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Bachelor of Science degrees in biological engineering and management science.
Dr. Cindy Cole is a Technical Partner at Digitalis Ventures and an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Florida. Prior to joining Digitalis she was in the animal health industry for many years holding senior leadership and R&D roles at Mars Petcare, Novartis Animal Health, IDEXX, and Piedmont Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Cole completed her DVM and PhD at the University of Florida and was on the faculty of the University of California, Davis and UF.
Cindy Cole
Dr. Cindy Cole is a Technical Partner at Digitalis Ventures and an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Florida. Prior to joining Digitalis she was in the animal health industry for many years holding senior leadership and R&D roles at Mars Petcare, Novartis Animal Health, IDEXX, and Piedmont Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Cole completed her DVM and PhD at the University of Florida and was on the faculty of the University of California, Davis and UF.
Dino Dedic, CFA
Dr Paul Dick D.V.M. M.Sc. obtained his veterinary medical degree with honours in 1984.
While working in clinical practice he completed his Masters in Immunology and Virology transitioning into the Pharmaceutical industry in 1988. Dr. Dick has over 25 years experience in the pharmaceutical space including general management and leadership roles, business development, commercialization, regulatory affairs, and product development encompassing medicinal, non-medicinal and natural health products.
His work in this sector has ranged from small “start up” companies to medium and large multi-nationals functioning in various capacities from research to COO and CEO.
Dr. Dick has worked extensively with Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on numerous regulatory submissions and on several Departmental Committees.
In addition he has been a recipient of the NSERC Synergy Award and has served as a peer reviewer of NSERC strategic grants. He is currently heading his own consulting firm ( Paul Dick and Associates Ltd.) and is the managing partner and president of a venture capital partnership (Vet Venture Capital Inc.).
Paul Dick
Dr Paul Dick D.V.M. M.Sc. obtained his veterinary medical degree with honours in 1984.
While working in clinical practice he completed his Masters in Immunology and Virology transitioning into the Pharmaceutical industry in 1988. Dr. Dick has over 25 years experience in the pharmaceutical space including general management and leadership roles, business development, commercialization, regulatory affairs, and product development encompassing medicinal, non-medicinal and natural health products.
His work in this sector has ranged from small “start up” companies to medium and large multi-nationals functioning in various capacities from research to COO and CEO.
Dr. Dick has worked extensively with Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on numerous regulatory submissions and on several Departmental Committees.
In addition he has been a recipient of the NSERC Synergy Award and has served as a peer reviewer of NSERC strategic grants. He is currently heading his own consulting firm ( Paul Dick and Associates Ltd.) and is the managing partner and president of a venture capital partnership (Vet Venture Capital Inc.).
Duane Cantrell
Laëtitia Gerbe
Yorán is an Analyst at Anterra Capital. He is primarily responsible for deal sourcing and execution with a focus on digital technologies. He is also involved in portfolio management.
Prior to joining Anterra, Yorán was active as a researcher in the Creative Machines Lab at Columbia University, focused on developing novel cooking techniques for 3D food printing applications. Before that, he has worked at the process technology department at Heinz and the product and process development department at Cargill.
Yorán holds a MSc in Sustainable Food Process Engineering and a BSc in Food Technology from Wageningen University with a BSc minor in Food Business and Management from UC Davis.
Yorán Meijers
Yorán is an Analyst at Anterra Capital. He is primarily responsible for deal sourcing and execution with a focus on digital technologies. He is also involved in portfolio management.
Prior to joining Anterra, Yorán was active as a researcher in the Creative Machines Lab at Columbia University, focused on developing novel cooking techniques for 3D food printing applications. Before that, he has worked at the process technology department at Heinz and the product and process development department at Cargill.
Yorán holds a MSc in Sustainable Food Process Engineering and a BSc in Food Technology from Wageningen University with a BSc minor in Food Business and Management from UC Davis.
Benjamin Shaw
Nicky Deasy
Barry is a strategy consultant to the pharma, welfare, retail, tech and veterinary profession having previously held senior executive roles within the veterinary profession most recently an executive board role at CVS as Marketing and Commercial Director, the largest PLC veterinary group in Europe, a role which involved him developing and delivering marketing strategies for the organisation and its member practices and honing its commercial operations. This role saw him supporting growth and the integration of over 300 veterinary practices, crematoria, out of hours clinics and multi-disciplinary hospitals and bringing to market a number of own label prescription and non-prescription products.
Barry Brackner
Barry is a strategy consultant to the pharma, welfare, retail, tech and veterinary profession having previously held senior executive roles within the veterinary profession most recently an executive board role at CVS as Marketing and Commercial Director, the largest PLC veterinary group in Europe, a role which involved him developing and delivering marketing strategies for the organisation and its member practices and honing its commercial operations. This role saw him supporting growth and the integration of over 300 veterinary practices, crematoria, out of hours clinics and multi-disciplinary hospitals and bringing to market a number of own label prescription and non-prescription products.
Sébastien Lafon
Eli Hasson is founding partner of PHIL Ventures (Pet Health Innovation Labs) – the early-stage investments arm of Australia’s PETstock group.
Based in Tel Aviv, Eli has over 25 years’ experience in the Israeli tech sector – with deep knowledge in business strategy and multi-national operations. He was involved in multiple disruptive digital health ventures and led several technology mega-projects. Eli co-founded Quantum Discoveries – an industry-disrupting mineral exploration company that develops and deploys innovative technologies, operating in Chile and US.
Besides his passion for tech & innovation, Eli is an avid jazz musician and improviser.
Eli Hasson
Eli Hasson is founding partner of PHIL Ventures (Pet Health Innovation Labs) – the early-stage investments arm of Australia’s PETstock group.
Based in Tel Aviv, Eli has over 25 years’ experience in the Israeli tech sector – with deep knowledge in business strategy and multi-national operations. He was involved in multiple disruptive digital health ventures and led several technology mega-projects. Eli co-founded Quantum Discoveries – an industry-disrupting mineral exploration company that develops and deploys innovative technologies, operating in Chile and US.
Besides his passion for tech & innovation, Eli is an avid jazz musician and improviser.
In 2014, Matthieu founded Singapore-based VisVires New Protein (VVNP), the first venture fund in
Asia exclusively focused on finding disruptive solutions for our global food and feed system.
Unrestricted by geographical boundaries, VVNP strives to uncover impactful solutions that
address the unmet challenges of our food system. VVNP has evolved quite a bit since its inception.
It now operates two funds with a presence in Singapore and London. Its portfolio of 10 companies
includes Ÿnsect in France, In Ovo in the Netherlands, Aleph Farms in Israel, and Mushlabs in
Germany.
Matthieu has over 25 years’ experience in investment management. Most recently, as Senior
Managing Director, Director of Research as well as a member of the Executive and Investment
committees of Everest Capital. Prior to that, he was with Banque Paribas in Hong Kong, New York,
Taipei, and Paris.
Matthieu Vermersch
In 2014, Matthieu founded Singapore-based VisVires New Protein (VVNP), the first venture fund in
Asia exclusively focused on finding disruptive solutions for our global food and feed system.
Unrestricted by geographical boundaries, VVNP strives to uncover impactful solutions that
address the unmet challenges of our food system. VVNP has evolved quite a bit since its inception.
It now operates two funds with a presence in Singapore and London. Its portfolio of 10 companies
includes Ÿnsect in France, In Ovo in the Netherlands, Aleph Farms in Israel, and Mushlabs in
Germany.
Matthieu has over 25 years’ experience in investment management. Most recently, as Senior
Managing Director, Director of Research as well as a member of the Executive and Investment
committees of Everest Capital. Prior to that, he was with Banque Paribas in Hong Kong, New York,
Taipei, and Paris.
Become a partner
Kisaco Research provides the much-needed platform on which industry executives can network, connect and learn from each other as well as meet potential industry partners.
Far from the typical ‘meet-and-greet’ exhibition experience, you – as a sponsor or exhibitor – will be positioned as a partner of the event with a focus on the benefits of your product and brand, rather than just a name on an exhibition list.
With our extensive marketing experience and strategy, your partnership with Kisaco Research will grant you a sponsorship package that is an extension and enhancement of your current marketing and branding efforts. We value your ROI and will work with you directly on your specific goals and targets – that’s why we take special care in finding the most relevant end-users to attend, so that your financial and resource investment is smartly allocated.
Find out more by calling us at +44 (0)20 3696 2920, email Stephen Swarray at [email protected], Harrison Sharp at [email protected] or downloading our agenda and clicking the "Interested in Sponsorship" box.
About Kisaco Research
Kisaco Research produces, designs and hosts B2B industry conferences, exhibitions and communities – focused on a specialized selection of topic areas.
Meet industry peers that will help build a career-changing network for life.
Learn from the mistakes of your peers as much as their successes—ambitious industry stalwarts who are happy to share not just what has made them successful so far but also their plans for future proofing their companies.
Note down the inspired insight that will form the foundation for future strategies and roadmaps, both at our events and through our online communities.
Invest both in your company growth and your own personal development by signing up to one of our events and get started.
