Hamilton, New Zealand, 15 April 2011 - WaikatoLink, the commercial arm of the University of Waikato, today announced the appointment of Duncan Mackintosh as Chief Executive. Mr Mackintosh was General Manager, Business Development, at WaikatoLink and is the Founding Manager of AngelLink.

In announcing the appointment Professor Roy Crawford, Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato said, "We're delighted to appoint Duncan Mackintosh to the role from a very strong field of candidates from New Zealand and overseas. He has considerable experience in the commercialisation field and is well known nationally and internationally for his commercial expertise, professionalism and ability to build networks. Mr Mackintosh will be a real asset as we work to further strengthen the links between University research and economic outcomes for the benefit of the University and the wider New Zealand community."

Newly appointed Chairman of WaikatoLink and Waikato distinguished alumnus Tenby Powell said, "Duncan has a deep understanding of how to unlock value from science and technology. His entrepreneurial approach and leadership will ensure WaikatoLink will continue to create commercially viable IP and start-ups from research based ventures."

In his previous role at WaikatoLink Mr Mackintosh was responsible for opportunity identification, venture creation, technology and commercial development, and deal broking for University of Waikato based intellectual property and start-up companies. Duncan has founded or co-founded a number of new ventures based on University of Waikato IP. He is the Founding Manager and Director of AngelLink, a national angel investment network backing New Zealand high growth technology ventures with an emphasis on life sciences, engineering and ICT. Prior to WaikatoLink Mr Mackintosh held roles in commercialisation and technology incubator development and management. He graduated from Massey University in 1995 with a BVSc in Veterinary Science and worked as a veterinarian for seven years.

Duncan Mackintosh said, "Underpinned by the University, WaikatoLink is firmly established with an entrepreneurial team, excellent processes, and a strong partner network. I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the organisation in this new phase as we continue to grow from strength to strength. WaikatoLink's ongoing work with other commercialisation organisations recognises that we need to work together across New Zealand to speed up the commercialisation process and increase the impact of innovation."

Professor Roy Crawford said, "The University of Waikato's investment in WaikatoLink recognises the importance of transferring University intellectual property into New Zealand industry and the role it plays in achieving the economic shift we need as a country. In addition to the close working relationship with the University of Waikato, WaikatoLink has a number of close and collaborative working relationships locally in Hamilton and the Bay of Plenty, as well as around the rest of New Zealand and offshore. These linkages ensure WaikatoLink captures and transfers the University of Waikato intellectual property assets, along with other work from research institutions and commercial organisations, to ensure our research can be successfully used by industry."

Mr Mackintosh replaces Mark Stuart who resigned in December.

ENDS

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