The Nbryo powerhouse

Gerard has extensive experience in agribusiness, biotech, and agtech, specialising in commercialising technology. He has held senior roles at major companies like Australian Agricultural Company, ThermoFisher Scientific, and Pfizer’s Animal Health Division (now Zoetis), driving technological success in the livestock and agri-food industries. Gerard founded Catapult Genetics Pty Ltd, growing it into a global leader in molecular diagnostics for animals before its acquisition by Pfizer. He has also consulted for organizations like Mastaplex, CRC for Food Agility, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on strategic and technology commercialisation plans and has a PhD in Quantitative Genetics.

Entrepreneur, Chair, and Co-Founder, CEO of Goannacorp, Founder of Herron Pharmaceuticals and Imaginot, and Co-owner of Nindooinbah, a leading artificial breeding facility. Previously served as Chair and Adjunct Professor at University of Queensland’s (UQ) Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, member of UQ’s Institute of Molecular Biosciences Commercialisation Board, Chair of the QLD Government Biotechnology Advisory Council, and member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Small Business Advisory Board. Completed professional development at Harvard and IMD, committed to building value-driven companies and learning organisations.

Holly is a full-time Non-executive Director and former Chief Executive, Former CEO of Australian retailer Best & Less Holly has over 25 years’ experience in general management and marketing, including roles at Telstra, Pacific Brands and Ford Motor Company (in the US and Australia). Holly is the recipient of the Sir Charles McGrath Award for a distinguished career in Marketing. Holly currently sits on a range of listed boards including ANZ Group Holdings (ASX: ANZ) and Woolworths Group (ASX: WOW), where she chairs the board’s Sustainability Committee. She also sits on the boards of New Zealand dairy cooperative and Fonterra (ASX/NZX: FSF).

Sandy is an experienced Director with 30+ years in pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and property development, holding executive roles in manufacturing, procurement, logistics, sales, and marketing. With a strong finance background, Sandy is committed to social enterprise, founding Traction for Young People Ltd in 2015 to support vulnerable youth through hands-on learning and mentoring. He also led residential apartment developments at Concept Living Properties Pty Ltd and served as Marketing Director at Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd.

Tim is the founder and chairman of Scarcity Partners, a private equity firm, and was previously a managing director and co-founder of Hyperion Asset Management. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Chairman of Packhorse Pastoral Company, which focuses on regenerative agriculture. Currently, Tim holds several non-executive roles, including Chairman of EMMI Solutions, a carbon transition risk management platform for institutional investors. He frequently speaks on topics related to investment, regenerative agriculture, and carbon finance.

Anna has held various roles at Herron Pharmaceuticals, including Sales Representative, Brand Manager for Natural Health Care, and Marketing Manager for Hilton Healthstream. She is also the co-founder and owner of Blue Mountain Co, which manages niche sustainability brands for betterbuilt environments. Previously, she was a Brand Manager for confectionery at Nestlé, a Business Unit Marketing Manager for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets in London, and a Marketing Communications Executive at The Body Shop.

Matthew co-founded Tenacious Ventures, Australia’s first venture capital firm focused on agri-food innovation. He was a founding board member of the Australian AgriTech Association and co-founded Observant, an agtech company acquired by Jain Irrigation in 2017. He also served as the founding chair of Rocket Seeder, an agri-food innovation accelerator, and the Australian Government Agriculture 4.0 Task Force. As a member of the CSIRO Agriculture and Food Advisory Committee, he is dedicated to promoting Australian agri-food innovation worldwide.

Nick is the primary inventor and co founder of Nbryo, established 2020.  Since the early 2010s Nick has developed technology to empower commercial beef and dairy producers through in vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Production (IVP).

In his role as Farm Manager and Director at Nindooinbah, Nick was instrumental in the design and development of Nindooinbah into one of Australia’s leading artificial breeding centres for beef cattle.

Through his career, Nick has designed and managed large-scale artificial breeding programs, including delivering 4500 embryo transfer (ET) cattle to Australian Agricultural Company (AACo).  In 2009, Nick initiated Australia’s first Ultrablack breeding program, an adapted beef breed designed for cross breeding programs in Northern Australia to enhance performance indicators of fertility and carcass quality.

At Nbryo, Nick guides the development and application of the platform, bringing a practical livestock farmer’s perspective to advanced technological approaches. With a lifelong involvement in artificial reproduction, from mustering surrogates on horseback in his youth to running Nindooinbah’s state-of-the-art facility, Nick’s thought leadership continues to shape Nbryo’s innovations.

“I look forward to the day that the Nbryo Platform is the primary breeding method for livestock”

Jim is an experienced CFO, Company Secretary & Executive Director (Chartered Accountant, Chartered Secretary) with expertise in genetics and the cattle industry.

Recent roles have included CFO of two major Australian cattle producers, Consolidated Pastoral Company and North Australian Pastoral Company.  He has been finance lead in three successful capital raisings and has worked extensively with private equity and other owners.

Jim is a demonstrated strategic thinker with strong hands-on execution with a proven ability to balance the pursuit of rapid entrepreneurial growth with robust governance.

At Nbryo, Jim oversees financial governance as the company navigates its way from early stages to successful scaling up. Jim is driven by curiosity, fully immersing himself in understanding and addressing business challenges while seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.

“I am focused on finding opportunities to grow and improve Nbryo while maintaining world class governance”

Lewis has a comprehensive professional background spanning remote animal monitoring, livestock genomics, animal health and molecular diagnostics. Lewis has a Bachelor of Science with Honours from James Cook University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Queensland and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Throughout his career, Lewis has focused on enabling the adoption, extension, and commercialization of innovative technologies in production animal industries, from startups to multinational enterprises. Notably, he has achieved significant growth in animal monitoring, launched world-first genomic and smart monitoring products, and driven commercial expansion across global markets.

Since joining Nbryo in January 2023, Lewis has led the charge on commercial activation and strategic growth.

“As an advocate of tech adoption in production animal industries, I am excited to work at Nbryo as it allows me to be at the helm of the future of the livestock industry”

Sophia Edwards is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in animal health, biotechnology, and livestock industries. As Head of Platform at Nbryo, she leads the development and commercialization of innovative animal reproduction technologies. Sophia oversees the technology platform’s strategic direction, field operations, and team, ensuring successful market adoption and delivering impactful solutions to the agricultural sector.

Previously, as Marketing and Technical Manager at Vetoquinol Australia & New Zealand, Sophia drove exceptional business growth, including doubling the company’s business within five years and surpassing market growth by over 50%. She is known for her leadership style grounded in trust, teamwork, and tenacity, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

With a PhD in Veterinary Science and an MBA, Sophia combines scientific expertise with strategic business insight. She is passionate about advancing the future of livestock breeding and animal health, using innovation and collaboration to create value for stakeholders and drive positive change in the agricultural industry.

Sophia is committed to building a team of experts at Nbryo, where innovation, resilience, and collaboration are at the heart of transforming the future of animal reproduction.

“I joined Nbryo because of the inspiring leadership team and the incredible opportunity to learn and grow within a forward-thinking, innovative organization. From the moment I became familiar with Nbryo, I was drawn to its strong leadership, its visionary approach to animal reproduction, and the ambitious goals set for the company. With the backing of strategic funding, strong partnerships, and a team of talented individuals, I felt confident that Nbryo had the potential to achieve remarkable things—and that I could play an integral role in making that happen”

Rebecca is an agribusiness professional with extensive experience throughout the beef industry value chain both in Australia and abroad.

With a Bachelor of Rural Science (University of New England) and a Master of Science in Business Management in the Agriculture & Food Industries (UK), her career has spanned on-farm management, advisory (NSW Beef Cattle Officer & Extension Executive for Zimbabwe’s Cattle Producers’ Association), feedlotting (US), R&D (NSW Agriculture and the US), Brand Management (Australian Agricultural Company, GrainCorp), 10 years of self-employment, a chapter with a start-up agribusiness and more recently a marketing role with global animal health company Vetoquinol specialising in Bovine Reproduction.

Rebecca is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP). She was a 23/24 Mentor for the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program and is currently Chair of one of Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC)’s Natural Capital Boards. Former Board roles have included Foundation of Australian Agricultural Women (FAAW) and Queensland Polo.

Rebecca joined Nbryo in July 2024 and has a focus on activating the growth and marketing strategic throughout our markets.

“I’m thrilled to be working at Nbryo, a company with incredible passion, purpose, people and drive”

Victoria has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and has several years work experience in in vitro Fertilization (IVF) laboratories in Argentina and Australia.

From 2018 to 2023 Victoria worked as a Senior Quality Control Microbiology Analyst for  Argentine company, Agropharma Animal Health, that produces vaccines and veterinary medicine, for a further five years. Victoria is well versed in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principals to ensure consistent, safe and quality results.

Victoria relocated from Argentina to Australia and joined Nbryo in June 2024, to further her passion for IVF.  Victoria’s role focuses on supporting the field laboratory operations and works closely with maintaining our Quality Management Systems.

“I work at Nbryo because I’m fascinated by the potential of the new technologies the company is developing. Additionally, the people here are incredibly kind and supportive, making it a wonderful place to work.”

Fatima is an experienced laboratory professional who has specialised in animal in vitro fertilisation (IVF) since 2010, typically producing over 10,000 high-grade embryos annually. Her expertise spans cattle, sheep, and pigs, with notable contributions in both Uruguay and Australia.

Fatima has successfully held leadership and technical roles across multiple international laboratories, including Semexion, Australian Reproductive Technologies and IGT Australia.  Fatima’s career also includes significant contributions to biotechnological research, such as her involvement in INIA-Salto Grande projects, where she developed innovative solutions for agricultural pathogens.

Fatima joined Nbryo in May 2023 to head up the laboratory at NbryoHQ, where she continues to bring innovation and leadership to reproductive technologies. Her commitment to excellence is complemented by her strong organizational skills, technical knowledge, and a proven ability to optimize laboratory operations.

“I chose to work at Nbryo because it aligns perfectly with my passion for advancing reproductive technologies and delivering high-quality outcomes in animal in vitro fertilisation. Heading up the laboratory offers me the opportunity to drive improvements, mentor others, and make a meaningful impact on the industry I am deeply invested in.”

Rafaela is an experienced laboratory technician with 5 years as an embryologist in Brazil covering in vitro fertilization (IVF), selection, freezing and preparation for direct transfer.

Rafaela has a bachelor of science (biology) and a keen interest in bovine IVF. Rafaela is a native Portuguese speaker and since arriving to Australia in October 2023, she is actively improving her English language proficiency.

Rafaela has been supporting our IVF laboratory operations (and occasionally as embryologist for our field lab activities) since May 2024.

“I am excited to work in a growing company that invests in R&D and is devoted to enhancement of the livestock industry and reduction of environmental impact. I look forward to being a part of the Nbryo Platform becoming the ‘new normal’.”

Hannah is an accomplished Agriscience graduate from Massey University with a strong background in livestock breeding and beef supply chains across New Zealand and Australia. With extensive expertise in supply & operational planning, financial forecasting and project management, she excels in streamlining efficiencies within livestock production systems.

Hannah has a proven track record in logistics planning and stakeholder collaboration, cultivated through roles at the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) within the Intensive business (Breeding & Genetics, Backgrounding & Feedlotting).

Having joined Nbryo in May 2023, Hannah has evidenced her collaborative nature and leadership skills, being an active problem solver, relatable & personable communicator and key logistics/operations planner. She is passionate about identifying opportunities to improve systems and processes that drive decision making and business performance. Hannah has evolved from Commercial Analyst to Operations Manager since her time with Nbryo.

“I am proud to be working for an innovative business that is looking to change the future of livestock breeding. I am committed to delivering our technology platform and quality outcomes to clients”.

Originally trained as a veterinarian in Brazil, Rodrigo has extensive bovine assisted reproductive technology (ART) experience.

Rodrigo is proficient in a wide array of techniques from embryo collection (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Technology  or MOET), follicular puncture, manipulation of embryos and oocytes, artificial insemination, reproductive ultrasound with experience in ultrasound early diagnosis and ultrasound foetal sexing, treatment for reproductive pathologies in females, nutrition focused on bovine reproduction.

In his role with Gertec he oversaw the global export of embryos and more recently managed an IVF lab with responsibility for both laboratory and field operations.

Rodrigo’s Nbryo role (since October 2023) has focused on field operations; always with a focus on animal health and quality outcomes.

“I work at Nbryo because I believe this company will change the bovine embryo market, and I want to contribute to that!”

Bernd comes from a medicinal chemistry background and has 25+ years of experience as a professional in both industry and academia in Australia and overseas. Bernd has lived and worked in Germany, New Zealand, Canada and Australia, and is a native German speaker. Bernd joined Nbryo in July 2023 to lead our research projects.

Bernd’s experience includes the University of Hamburg, Germany; Industrial Research Limited, New Zealand; the University of Alberta, Canada; the Institute for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland; and Australian biotechnology companies Alchemia, Luina Bio and AcuraBio. He has extensive experience in research and project management ranging from projects in a research environment to the commercial ‘current Good Manufacturing Practices’ (cGMP) manufacture of a live biotherapeutic product for a phase 2 clinical trial.

In his role as a proposal manager for a contract manufacturer in the biotechnology industry, he worked closely with business development to deliver close to 500 tailor made project proposals for process development and cGMP manufacture to a wide variety of clients in the areas of live biotherapeutics, recombinant proteins, and plasmid DNA.

“I have joined Nbryo because I wanted the challenge of applying my skills in a new area and because I could see the potential impact that the full realisation of the Nbryo technology platform would have in the industry worldwide”

Xavier graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Queensland and began his veterinary career working in mixed practice in Northern Australia focusing on Equine and Bovine Reproduction. On returning to Brisbane, he completed a rotating internship in Equine surgery, medicine and reproduction at The University of Queensland Equine Specialist Hospital. Xavier completed a residency in Theriogenology and is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a Registered Specialist in Reproduction at Queensland Veterinary Specialists. Xavier is also a lecturer with the Faculty of Science at The University of Queensland.

Xavier has a clinical interest in canine, equine and bovine reproduction, medicine and surgery. He is currently a Specialist in Reproduction at Queensland Veterinary Specialists and working closely with the Nbryo product development and operations teams.

Callan is an established data professional, having worked and studied data management and analysis since 2018. Callan has worked extensively with Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Public Health Department and QUT Centre for Data Science on predictive risk analysis programs and digital twin development.

Callan completed a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with QUT in 2022.  In a previous life he has also co founded a small business (Ink and Gumption) and led commercialisation and operation processes.

Callan is a traveller and lifelong learner, having also spent 7 years working in a kindergarten in Japan as both a teacher and manager.  At one point Callan had a good grasp of written and spoken Japanese!  He still enjoys working with students.

Callan joined Nbryo in August 2022, after supporting the company’s administrative and information technology (IT) setup from February 2022.  Callan’s role has evolved to having oversight of the data systems integral to the Nbryo Platform.

“I work at Nbryo because they are a clear and real opportunity to improve our environmental impact, with worldwide application and accessibility.”

Carly has a project and operations management background with a focus on environmental sustainability. Carly has an academic foundation in Business (Marketing and Human Resource Management) and most recently, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Value Chains from Cambridge University.

Carly has previous experience in UK and Australia include a business design consultancy (Business Models Inc), industry association (Business Chamber Queensland), major fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company (Unilever) and State Government (Queensland Health).  For 3 years she led a successful government funded sustainability program for Queensland small business (ecoBiz).

Carly joined Nbryo in July 2022 and has assisted with many internal functions (marketing, HR, finance and operations). She project managed the design and build of NbryoHQ and continues to support the CEO and Board administration.

“As a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, I enjoy bringing Nbryo projects full circle with precision and creativity. I strive for operational excellence within systems and processes and enjoy stewarding Nbryo’s brand presence and alignment with our mission, vision and values.”

Sarina is a qualified accountant and member of Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia, with experience in financial reporting, financial analysis, budget and forecasting for SME businesses across different industries in both New Zealand and Australia.

Sarina previously held a Management Accountant position for biotech startup company, WearOptimo.

With experience in the accounting field since 2010, she loves problem solving and maintains a keen learning focus. Sarina joined Nbryo in January 2024 and supports the finance and payroll functions, as well as governance activities.

“In my role I take pride in streamlining financial processes and being part of a company that makes a positive contribution to the industry”

Professor Blair retired from Massey University in April 2022; he has been retained part time. At retirement, he was appointed Professor Emeritus. Emeritus Professor Blair holds Directorships with New Zealand Animal Evaluation Ltd, Focus Genetics LP and C Alma Baker Trust Ltd, and Chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee for Nbryo. He has previously served on several not-for-profit, sport and primary sector Boards, and has significant experience in evaluating / ranking applications for research funding and reviewing science programs.

Emeritus Professor Blair grew up on a hill country sheep and beef cattle farm in New Zealand. He graduated from Massey University in 1976 and joined the Sheep Husbandry Department to lecture and undertake a PhD. In 1995, he became Department Head of Animal Science and in 1998 assumed the role of Deputy Head of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Science. Emeritus Professor Blair lectured in animal production and animal breeding and genetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. His main research interests were the application of animal breeding and genetic technologies to the genetic improvement of production and service animals in New Zealand; understanding developmental programming to improve production animal performance and the study of the genetic causes of diseases.

Emeritus Professor Blair supervised about 100 postgraduate students, 49 being PhD graduates. He has developed several international collaborative research relationships with institutions in China, Japan and Uruguay.

Professor Paul Wood AO has led R&D teams from CSIRO, CSL and Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis) and was Deputy-Director of the Vaccine Technology CRC. He brought several innovative products to the market, receiving recognition for his work to invent a new diagnostic test for Tuberculosis, including the CSIRO Medal, the Clunies Ross award and made an Officer in the Order of Australia.

Paul was Chair of the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines and on the Board
of Dairy Australia.

He is currently Chair of an Insect farming start-up, on the Australian Academy Technology, Science and Engineering Board and an Adjunct Professor at Monash University. In 2019 he received the International Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist Award from the IUIS Veterinary Immunology Committee (VIC).

He is a mentor for various AgTech accelerators such as Sprout X and Rocket Seeder as well as the CSIRO Protein Mission and in 2022 received the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng is the 4th Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Senior Director of CGIAR Livestock-Based Systems.

Prior to joining ILRI and the CGIAR, Professor Djikeng Djikeng was Chair of Tropical Agriculture and Sustainable Development at the The University of Edinburgh and Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) at the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, UK.

Professor Djikeng previously held research faculty and science leadership positions at Bioscience easter and central Africa (BecA, ILRI, Kenya), at Yale University School of Medicine (Connecticut, USA) and at the J Craig Venter Institute (Maryland, USA) primarily focusing on genomics and functional genomics with application to global health and agricultural development.

Professor Djikeng currently serves on boards and science advisory committees including The Sainsbury Laboratory (UK), The Kirkhouse Trust (UK), Science for Africa Foundation (Kenya) and is affiliated with several universities (University of Queensland , Australia; The University of South Africa; and The University of Edinburgh, UK).