Chief Executive Officer

The Organisation

AusBiotech is Australia’s life sciences organisation. Working on behalf of members for more than 35 years to provide representation and services to promote the global growth of the Australian life sciences industry. It achieves this in four ways:

Strengthening Australian life sciences

AusBiotech is dedicated to the development, growth and prosperity of the Australian life science industry, by providing initiatives to drive sustainability and growth, outreach and access to markets, and representation and support for members nationally and around the world.

Policy and advocacy

By maintaining strong connections with the government and encouraging members to share their perspectives and insights, AusBiotech advocates for policy reform in tax, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulation, and more to sustain Australia’s global competitive advantage in the life sciences.

Access to capital

Life science companies are uniquely vulnerable and access to capital is crucial to supporting the sector to grow and develop. AusBiotech is committed to fostering relationships between companies and investors, up-skilling people to better navigate the investment (and life sciences) market, and to working hard to keep tax incentive policies that allow companies to access this capital.

Networking

AusBiotech runs more than 65 events each year, showcasing the sector nationally and internationally. The Australian Life Science Innovation Directory contains a database of companies to inform global potential partnerships.

AusBiotech is a well-connected network of over 3,000 members in the life sciences, including therapeutics, medical technology (devices and diagnostics), digital health, and agri-biotech sectors.

With representation in each Australian state, AusBiotech provides a national network to support members and promote the commercialisation of Australian life science in national and international marketplaces.

The Brief

Following the resignation of Lorraine Chiroiu, the Board of AusBiotech approached Brooker Consulting to submit a proposal to find a worthy successor for the role of CEO.

The position brief for this role was seeking a strong influential leader and advocate for the Australian life science sector. The CEO would represent the diverse needs of members with key stakeholders to ensure the landscape supported ongoing opportunities for investment and economic growth. AusBiotech is a national leading peak body seeking to build on its already established national and international convening power by strengthening policy influence, collaborating with peer bodies across states and sectors and elevating the Australian life sciences sector on the international stage.

The Process

Following the resignation of Lorraine Chiroiu, the Board of AusBiotech approached Brooker Consulting to submit a proposal to find a worthy successor for the role of CEO.

The position brief for this role was seeking a strong influential leader and advocate for the Australian life science sector. The CEO would represent the diverse needs of members with key stakeholders to ensure the landscape supported ongoing opportunities for investment and economic growth. AusBiotech is a national leading peak body seeking to build on its already established national and international convening power by strengthening policy influence, collaborating with peer bodies across states and sectors and elevating the Australian life sciences sector on the international stage.

The Outcome

After a rigorous and multilayered interview and selection process, AusBiotech appointed Rebekah Cassidy to the role. Rebekah is an experienced leader with extensive strategy, policy, and media proficiency, coupled with deep health industry expertise. She will commence the role on 20 May 2024.

Previously holding leadership roles in some of Australia’s largest corporations, for global organisations and in government, she is recognised for her ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, forge trusted strategic partnerships, and drive meaningful change.

Most recently Sanofi’s Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Australia & New Zealand, Rebekah brings experience from companies working at the bench through to bedside. Including The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and her broad experience has aided her understanding of Australia’s health ecosystem and the value the life sciences sector brings to Australia.