Wool Equities Chairman Dr Andy Pearce today announced that Elizabeth Hopkins has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Mrs Hopkins is currently CEO of ENCOATE Ltd, and from 2001 to 2003 was Chief Development Officer, NEURONZ Ltd.

“Elizabeth has an outstanding background and experience to lead the development and growth of our investments in Keratec and Orico” said Dr Pearce. Prior to coming to New Zealand in 2001, Elizabeth was Global Project Manager – Early Development at PFIZER, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, based in the UK, where she was responsible for leading major development projects through Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. She also spent 8 years in drug discovery projects in Pfizer culminating in her leadership of a Pharmacology Team within Pfizer’s Neurology Group.

In addition to her experience in a major multi-national drug company, Elizabeth has successfully transitioned into two start-up companies in New Zealand, playing key leadership roles through out the phases of establishment, capital raising, intellectual property generation and product launch. She also has extensive experience in the Agri-Biotech sector gained whilst working as CEO of EnCoate, an AgResearch/Ballance AgriNutrients Joint Venture.

“We are delighted to have been able to appoint a CEO with large company project and clinical trial management background, combined with Agri-Biotech start-up and venture capital raising experience. This is an ideal combination for the current stage of development of Wool Equities and its investments”, said Dr Pearce.