The appointment of Dr Melissa Mail

Children’s Medical Research Institute

Head of Commercialisation

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the world’s most highly regarded independent medical research organisations. Their research focuses on the four key areas impacting children’s health: cancer, genomics and genetic diseases, neurobiology, and embryology. The entity’s strong international reputation is based on decades of significant research outcomes in these areas of specialty. CMRI is also home to the world-first proteomics project, ProCan, which is changing the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. CMRI’s research programs are supported by state of the art facilities and committed research and support staff.  Achievements are made possible by a loyal network of community supporters, highly engaged donors, and the very successful Jeans for Genes® and Great Cycle Challenge fundraising campaigns.

Brooker Consulting was approached by the current Head of Commercialisation and the Head of People and Culture, to submit a proposal for the recruitment of a Head of Commercialisation for the Children’s Medical Research Institute.

The primary area of focus will be the gene therapy portfolio of the Institute. 

The Head of Commercialisation will work collaboratively with CMRI academic and clinical staff as well as the legal team to identify, capture, protect and commercialise IP generated at the Institute. The role will oversee development and negotiation of legal agreements including MTAs, CDAs, sponsored research and collaboration/licence agreements with academic and/or industry partners; directing patent attorneys, lawyers and professional services providers, as needed.

The role holder will have the ability to recommend decisions related to the discontinuation of patents, as required.  The Head of Commercialisation will focus on building a culture of commercialisation within the Institute and alongside partners on the Westmead campus.  All business development activities as well as the overall budget for commercialisation will fall under the mandate of this role.

CMRI was seeking an individual with a broad scientific knowledge, an advanced understanding of IP law, IP-related contracts and experience in managing a patent portfolio. Other criteria include an understanding of, or experience working in an academic or research organisation, and strong marketing/business development capabilities. Critical to the role is a client-orientated approach and the ability to engage with a wide variety of internal researchers and external stakeholders to add value to the research activities of the Institute.

After demonstrating a successful track record of relevant past appointments in the sector, Brooker Consulting was engaged to conduct an executive search and selection process to identify an outstanding candidate.  An extensive strategy was outlined and the campaign was launched by Brooker after a detailed briefing with key stakeholders.  The Brooker team of Jeremy Wurm and Dr Rachel Cameron reached out to trusted referral partners and key opinion leaders in the sector. After a comprehensive assessment process a nucleus of high-quality candidates was presented to the panel.  Three applicants were invited for a shortlist interview.

Following subsequent evaluation by the panel and in-depth referee checks conducted by Brooker Consulting, Dr Melissa Mail was appointed to the position of Head of Commercialisation at CMRI.

If you are interested in our services, please contact us

Lesley Lightfoot

Managing Director

P: 0429 381 277

E: lesley@brookerconsulting.com.au

Brooker Consulting is a prominent Australian talent acquisition and leadership advisory firm specialising in appointing interim and substantive CEOs, Board positions and C-suite executives. Our expertise spans the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on biotechnology, research, and health technology organisations.

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