Gradipore names new CEO

Sydney separation technology specialist Gradipore has appointed Robert Lieb as its new global CEO and vice-chairman.

Lieb, who is currently chairman of Gradipore Inc, the company's US subsidiary, was appointed a month after the company announced it would be embarking on a worldwide search for an independent chairman and qualified CEO as part of an aggressive globalisation strategy.

The US-based Lieb has spent 25 years in the healthcare industry as a principal, lead investor, board member and CEO. He has advised and been a board member of several companies, including Medical Laboratory Automation, Johnson & Johnson, Hospital Data Sciences and Becton Dickinson.

He has also advised venture capital firms in the healthcare industry and has developed extensive contacts in the US capital markets.

At Gradipore Inc, Lieb put together a world-class board, including Tecan chairman Mike Baronian, former FDA commissioner Dr Arthur Hayes, and former New York Medical College CEO Dr John Connolly.

He said he decided to accept the positions of CEO and vice-chairman based on the company's "tremendous potential" and his own support from the board.

"Gradipore is poised for great things, and to realise them is going to take an organisation which has a clear view not just of where it is going but how it is going to get there," Lieb said. "Strong leadership, discipline and an efficient management structure are needed to achieve the all-important commercial objectives and I believe that I can contribute to Gradipore in these areas."

He said he would implement strategies to improve Gradipore's existing cash flows, evaluate potential new business, and review the company's current business plan.

Lieb will remain in the company's US headquarters, in Hawthorne, New York, which Gradipore said would help the company's expansion by improving access to US and European markets.

Executive chairman John Manusu said Lieb had the right mix of experience, expertise, global marketing savvy, contacts and management acumen needed to take the company to the next level.

"Robert was the obvious and first choice and we are delighted he has accepted the position," Manusu said.

The company has not yet announced its new chairman. In April, Manusu said he saw the position as being based in Australia.