End of an era for GTG

Former Vision Biosystems head Michael Ohanessian has been appointed CEO of Genetic Technologies (GTG), taking over from founding CEO Dr Mervyn Jacobson.

Jacobson announced his decision to step down in March, having reached retirement age. He will remain on the board as a non-executive director and will act as a consultant to the company on its licensing program.

GTG was set up in 1989 and provides a range of commercial genetic testing services for humans, animals and plants. It provides DNA profiling services, including paternity tests and forensic DNA analysis, genetic diagnostics for several diseases in humans and animals, and trait analysis for animals and plants.

The company's ACTN3 Sports Gene Test is the world's first genetic test for structural muscle protein associated with 'fast twitch' muscle fibre.

GTG specialises in non-coding DNA and has over 100 patent applications, as well as granting 36 licences. In addition to genetic testing and its out-licensing program, the company has a dedicated research program in genetics and genomics.

Ohanessian will take over as CEO next Monday. Prior to joining Vision Biosystems, he worked for the Boston Consulting Group and Mobil Oil. He has an honours degree in engineering from the University of Melbourne and an MBA from Melbourne Business School.