Leadership changes at AusBiotech

AusBiotech Chairman Julie Phillips has announced that Glenn Cross has decided to retire from his position as chief executive officer (CEO) after 13 years’ service and two years heading the organisation.

Following his retirement in early July, Cross will transition to a part-time contract role leading a dedicated business development effort for AusEvents, so continuing his longstanding relationship with AusBiotech.

Phillips also announced that after an external recruitment process, AusBiotech’s current Deputy CEO, Lorraine Chiroiu (MBA, GAICD), has been appointed to the role of CEO, effective early July.

Chiroiu has worked as a dedicated advocate for the life sciences sector, including almost a decade of contribution to AusBiotech, working closely with the public policy impacting sector at state and federal levels. Her advocacy has traversed regulation, tax incentives, patent protection, medical research and its commercialisation.

Chiroiu has previously held the roles of Chief Industry Affairs Officer and National Communications and Media Manager at AusBiotech and, prior to joining, worked in corporate and public affairs roles for a multinational biopharmaceutical company, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the University of Melbourne and for a health consumer organisation.

Phillips said: “Ms Chiroiu is well known to members and has achieved a great deal to date. We are fortunate to have such a depth of talent and experience in our organisation, and the board is delighted to welcome Lorraine to her new chief executive role in the organisation.”

In reflecting Cross’s contributions, Phillips said: “I applaud Glenn’s passion for the organisation and its place in the Australian life sciences industry. His achievements are both numerous and significant, including leading roles in establishing the AusMedTech and the annual conference, forming AusEvents and building AusBiotech’s Global Investment Program”.

AusBiotech has also announced that Cross has spent most of his working life in life sciences having been a founder of DePuy Australia (now a J&J company), the first employee of Becton Dickinson Australia, CEO of Vision Systems Instrumentation and other senior executive roles in the industry.

Phillips concluded, “The board is confident that this smooth leadership transition and continued strong team for AusBiotech will enable the organisation to continue its work supporting the growth of the Australian life sciences industry.”