Board of Directors
Pictor Board of Directors is comprised of global diverse industry experts in life science,
business, finance, and transformational company experience.
Chair
Maxine Simmons
CNZM, MSc(Hons), CMInstD
Maxine is an experienced entrepreneur, company leader and director, having been actively involved in start-up and expansion stage private company development in New Zealand for more than 30 years. She founded one of New Zealand’s first biotechnology companies, growing it to a successful export business. She is recognized by the NZ Biotechnology industry’s Distinguished New Zealand Biotechnologist Award in 2000.
Among numerous influential government appointed and industry roles, Maxine was a founding director of Industry New Zealand (now New Zealand Trade and Enterprise); a director of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology; Director of Industrial Research Ltd prior to it becoming Callaghan Innovation; Chair of the NZ biotechnology industry organization, NZBIO.
She also represented New Zealand on the APEC Business Advisory Council from 2010 to 2014.
A founder of BioCatalyst, which advises early-stage biotechnology ventures on commercialization and capital raising, Maxine serves as Executive Director for Cure Kids Ventures, developing healthcare innovations with potential to benefit child health. Maxine is on the board of the Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular BioDiscovery, and an advisory board member of the MedTech Core.
She has Master of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of Auckland, is a chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors and was recently appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to science and biotechnology.
Maxine was recently inducted into the Co. of Women’s Hall of Fame, celebrating her commitment to the early-stage biotech world as an entrepreneur, investor and trailblazing champion.
Director
Dr. Jamie Platt
Ph.D.
Jamie brings 20 years of proven leadership in genomics and molecular diagnostics, guiding teams in developing, validating, and commercializing more than 40 innovative, high-complexity molecular tests for US and global firms (both LDTs and IVDs).
Jamie served as Chief Operating Officer at PGDx (acquired by LabCorp) and Inivata (acquired by NeoGenomics) leading development and operationalization of liquid biopsy products and completing two M&A exits in 2021 for a combined value of approximately $1 Billion US. As Chief Operating Officer at Inivata, Jamie led the organization’s transition from research-stage through early commercialization, developing and launching two best-in-class liquid biopsy products with a market value of $8.64. After raising $25M in investment capital, a successful acquisition by NeoGenomics ensued. At Quest Diagnostics, Jamie led the organization to next generation sequencing (NGS) and launched clinical assays, genomics products, and line extensions.
Dr. Platt earned her Ph.D. in Molecular & Cellular Biology from Oregon State University and completed Post-Doctoral studies at University of California at Berkeley. She is founder and CEO of BRIDGenomics, a molecular diagnostic laboratory consulting firm and serves on the boards of bioAffinity [NASDAQ:BIAF] and DxTerity Diagnostics.
Director
Laurie Heilmann
Laurie is a veteran of the life sciences industry, with over three decades of leadership experience in healthcare technology developed and deployed across multiple markets including diagnostics, biotechnology, drug development, HCIT and medical devices.
She has a proven track record of global commercial transformative strategies leading to revenue growth, profitability, and global brand awareness. She is an engaged board member who can have an immediate impact while building long-term strategy including financing, merger, acquisition, IPO and exit strategies for the company. Laurie currently serves on global strategic advisory board for Lavaa Health, a digital health platform. She is also a board member and strategic advisor for BioLizard a bioinformatics focused on drug/diagnostic development.
Previous executive roles, as CEO, President, Chief commercial office, Heilmann had several
companies to successful exits, some of which are Crown BioScience, Notable Labs, Image Metrix. She has served as a Board Director and Interim CEO for Notable Labs and as a Board Director for Agendia where she was Chair of the compensation and commercial sub-commitments.
Heilmann’s synthesis of global business, clinical research, and technological acumen is ideal for assessing needs and assembling strategically sound, high-value solutions for her board and advisor roles. Her multifaceted experience from concept to commercialization, and knowledge of life science technology, the FDA and sponsor requirements in the US, Europe, India, and Asia, is vital to Pictor growth. She is an active member of numerous industry organizations and holds a bachelor’s degree in science and business
Director
John Allen
Mr. Allen is a seasoned senior management executive and General Partner at Coddle Creek Capital, specializing in fostering growth and innovation across dynamic technology startups. With a notable track record across varied business verticals such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and financial services, he excels in de novo startups, strategic consulting, investment capital acquisition, team building, and steering companies through crucial phases of development.
With a proven track record in overseeing Board of Directors responsibilities, John offers thorough P&L oversight, crafting investment-grade revenue forecasts, and formulating corporate budgeting models. He is recognized for shaping corporate vision and executing strategic and operational plans that foster sustainable growth. Demonstrating success in establishing strategic business partnerships, John has spearheaded successful product launches in technology-driven services and products. His proficiency in developing corporate cultural strategies has steered organizations through transitional phases.
Mr. Allen’s career spans pivotal roles in various companies. As CEO of Vault Pharma and Bright Path Laboratories, he steered pre-clinical and clinical stage oncology drug development, resulting in successful IND campaigns and significant advancements in biologic compounds. His tenure as Chief Business Officer at Sun BioPharma led to evaluating in-licensing opportunities and supporting initial IND campaigns, contributing to strategic decision-making and capital developmental plans. Co-founding OPEN FINANCE NETWORK saw the closure of significant investment capital, development of technology platforms, successful mergers and acquisitions, and serving a vast clientele, achieving substantial asset management growth.
Director
Marko Bogoievski
In 2022, Marko became a valuable addition to the Pictor Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of experience cultivated over a 30-year career in the infrastructure and technology sectors. His professional journey, spanning the United States and New Zealand, has seen him in pivotal
roles encompassing finance, operations, and sales.
Marko’s reputation for expertise in expanding companies, driving profitability, and enhancing share prices precedes his directorial role at Pictor. Previously, Marko served as the Chief Executive of Infratil Limited and H.R.L. Morrison & Co for an impressive 13 years, where he now holds the position of Operating Partner. Marko also currently serves as a director for One New Zealand, Amplitel, Tend, No Issue, and Abel Fragrance.
Beyond the boardroom, Marko has ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding Maker Partners and MQB Partners. These innovative firms operate in the Venture Capital and early-stage consumer and health-tech sectors, underscoring Marko's dedication to driving progress and innovation.
Widely recognized as a proven business leader, Marko has demonstrated success in creating substantial value for the companies he associates with, driving profitability, and improving share prices. His expertise extends to accounting, as evidenced by his role as a Fellow at the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Director
Paul Kinnon
Paul is the CEO of Diadem and has held previous leadership positions with Transgenomic Inc.,
Arch Global Research, ZyGEM Corp., Thermo Fisher (Life Technologies), Guava Technologies
and Cellomics. As President and CEO at Transgenomic, he was responsible for restructuring
the Company via M&A activity; divesting two major business units and two product lines
generating ~$10 million in non-dilutive funding while significantly reducing losses; maintaining
NASDAQ status for over three years; while restructuring the company and strategically
changing its direction.
Paul has a proven track record of transforming organizations large and small while driving
commercial success and growth. His broad experience includes leadership, capital fundraising,
M&A business development, commercial organizations, technology and product development in
multiple sectors (oncology, discovery, clinical diagnostics, clinical development and platform
development). Paul has also developed and implemented novel and successful commercial
launches as the result of his exceptional mentoring and organization/leadership skills and global
industrywide network of personal and business contacts.
Director
Champak Mehta
With formal training in the medical sciences, economics and business, Champak is a former physiology lecturer and NZ Army officer. He spent nearly 9 years with Fonterra in a variety of strategy, business development, and general management roles in NZ, the US and Singapore.
Champak returned to NZ in mid-2011 to take up a senior management role at The University of Auckland, before re-entering the primary sector in Jan ‘13 as the inaugural CEO of Potatoes NZ Inc. Since then, Champak has co-owned a large multi-office real estate business in Auckland, been the inaugural GM Sales & Marketing for Mataura Valley Milk and advised a number of companies on international sales, marketing and market access issues.
Most recently, he was the CEO of Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd, a position he left in August ‘22 to pursue his own business interests.