Visioneering Technologies (ASX:VTI), a medical device company engaged in the design, manufacture, sale and distribution of its NaturalVue MF contact lenses, has announced the appointment of Ms Jean Franchi to its Board of Directors, and as chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Ms Franchi is a business leader with over 20 years experience in building and leading senior corporate and divisional financial teams from the research and development stage through product launch and commercial operations.
She is currently the CFO of Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, a NASDAQ listed biotechnology company specialising in oncology.
Visioneering’s CEO, Dr Stephen Snowdy, said Ms Franchi was a natural choice for the role. “Ms Franchi brings to VTI immensely valuable skills, a wealth of experience, and great passion for taking both private and public companies from early market to full scale commercialization.
“Additionally, as VTI readies for international expansion, Ms. Franchi’s experience in international operations is a highly valuable asset,” said Dr Snowdy.
Prior to Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Ms Franchi spent 16 years at Genzyme, a US-based biotechnology company now owned by Sanofi, where she held roles of increasing responsibility and was instrumental in preparing the company for its transition from early market introductions to becoming the industry leader in rare disease drug development and commercialisation.