The Bio Commerce Centre appoints new staff

For Immediate Release July 2, 2007

The Bio Commerce Centre appoints new staff

The Bio Commerce Centre, Palmerston North’s technology commercialisation centre, has made two staff appointments.

John Brandeis has been appointed Incubator Manager. Mr Brandeis has moved back to Palmerston North from Hawke’s Bay, where he established The Kaweka Food Company. Kaweka is the market leader in its category of ready-made meals in New Zealand, with a second, export-grade plant commencing shipments this month. Mr Brandeis stepped out of the operation two years ago to pursue personal interests while retaining a significant stake in the business.

Miriam Sharland has been appointed Business and Communications Manager. Ms Sharland has an extensive background in international media and publishing and the position will include oversight of all The Bio Commerce Centre’s communications and marketing. Ms Sharland will also continue her role of Manawatu Regional Coordinator for NZBio, the New Zealand biotechnology industry body.

The Bio Commerce Centre CEO Dean Tilyard says, “I’m very pleased that we have been able to secure such a strong team. Miriam and John will bring a significant amount of expertise and energy to building on the successes The Bio Commerce Centre has already achieved.”

Picture caption: John Brandeis and Miriam Sharland have been appointed to The Bio Commerce Centre.

ENDS

Notes for editors:
The Bio Commerce Centre was established in March 2005 to increase commercialisation and development of biotechnology through incubating fledgling biotechnology-based businesses with the potential to produce globally competitive products or services.

The Bio Commerce Centre is a major promoter of the region’s biotechnology research capability and opportunity to national and international biotechnology investors or researchers.

The centre is located in Palmerston North’s science and technology precinct among New Zealand's largest concentration of bio-industry scientists and researchers.

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