Cochlear executive appointed CEO of LBT

Brent Barnes has been appointed the new CEO of Adelaide-based technology developer LBT Innovations (ASX:LBT), commencing on 8 August.

Barnes has spent the past 11 years in a variety of roles with medical device manufacturer Cochlear (ASX:COH). Following almost four years in the US as Cochlear’s area sales manager (South Texas) and director of operations (Americas), he returned to Sydney in 2011 to take up roles including director, recipient services & operations (Asia-Pacific) and general manager, Asia Growth Markets and operations director (Asia-Pacific).

“Brent offers a rare blend of youth, energy and global business experience,” said LBT Chair Robert Finder. “He is the ideal choice to lead our firm into an exciting future where LBT’s advanced digital imaging technologies will increasingly deliver major efficiencies for busy laboratories and faster, more accurate results for doctors and patients.”

Barnes will replace Lusia Guthrie, who has been CEO of LBT since she co-founded the company in 2004. Guthrie will continue to actively lead LBT for the remainder of her tenure, in the short term focusing on the company’s joint venture for its automated culture plate reading, interpretation and reporting technology, APAS; finding new commercialisation partners for MicroStreak, which provides automation of culture plate streaking; and progressing the development of Woundvue, a proposed automation solution to assist in the management of chronic wounds.

“I am pleased to be leaving LBT in good health; successful, innovative and dynamic,” said Guthrie, who will stay with the company in a consulting role to assist with transitional arrangements for the new CEO. “With a high-performing team and a pipeline of innovative technology products, LBT is poised for a robust future under Brent’s leadership. I look forward to watching Brent take the company to the next level.”

LBT Innovations (ASX:LBT) shares closed 11.77% higher at $0.19 on Monday, the day of the announcement. They were trading steady on Tuesday as of 12.30 pm.