Published Dec 11, 2023
In line with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington's renewed focus on financial sustainability, in late 2023 Wellington UniVentures introduced a new, streamlined management structure that will enable the company to continue delivering on its mandate to create real-world impact from university research.
The new executive leadership team consists of a CEO, a Head of Commercialisation and a People & Business Operations Manager.
Pierre Malou – Chief Executive Officer Manu Taupunga
Pierre is responsible for delivering Wellington UniVentures' strategic vision, while at the same time championing research commercialisation within Aotearoa New Zealand's innovation ecosystem. He brings a hands-on and results-driven approach to overseeing all the functions within Wellington UniVentures.
Prior to taking over as CEO, he led Wellington UniVentures operations team, where he put in place robust processes and systems that made it easier for the team to manage their projects. He has extensive experience in start-ups and research commercialisation, including success bringing cutting-edge medical and biotechnical advances to market throughout Australasia and Europe.
Pierre has led the team in an Acting CEO capacity since November 2022, and accepted a permanent appointment to the position in December.
Julie Crisford – Head of Commercialisation Mata Whakapakihi
Julie is responsible for leading commercialisation activities across Wellington UniVentures.
She first joined Wellington UniVentures as our IP Manager in 2009, and in that time she's been invaluable in protecting the innovative technology sitting behind some of our most exciting spin-outs. Julie has an entrepreneurial spirit and launched her own IP strategy consultancy business in 2011, while continuing to support Wellington UniVentures part-time. This experience gave her a chance to work with the heavyweights in New Zealand's start-up economy, including Xero, Magritek and CreativeHQ. She re-joined Wellington UniVentures in 2020 in a permanent capacity as senior member of the commercialisation team, supporting commercialisation managers through the licensing and negotiation processes.
Julie was permanently appointed to the role of Head of Commercialisation earlier this year.
Lisa Bishop – People & Business Operations Manager Kaiwhakahaere Pūmanawa me te Pakihi
Lisa ensures excellence in delivery of day-to-day operations across the people and culture, health and safety, financial management and communications functions of Wellington UniVentures.
She joined Wellington UniVentures in 2022 as HR Manager, prior to a career that spans interior design, project management, business management and human resources. She's exceptionally well connected across Te Herenga Waka, having spent 14 years as a Project Manager responsible for delivering key transformational projects and HR Manager for Science, Engineering, Architecture and Design faculties.
She took over the role of People & Business Manager in August this year.
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