Polarean Imaging PLC (AIM:POLX, OTC:PLLWF) has appointed Christopher von Jako as its new chief executive. Effective immediately, von Jako takes over from Richard Hullihen, who is retiring but will remain in a transitional role for six months.
Hullihen's tenure as CEO since 2017 saw considerable advancement for Polarean. He guided the company through a successful IPO in 2018, capital raises exceeding US$60mln and the launch of XENOVIEW, an FDA-approved method of using MRI to image the lung.
"Richard has played a pivotal role in getting Polarean to the position it is in today, with XENOVIEW approved for use by the FDA with MRI for the evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, and our commercialisation plan underway," said Polarean chairman, Kenneth West.
"On behalf of the board, I'd like to thank Richard for his contribution to the business and we wish him well in his retirement."
Bringing 30 years of global healthcare leadership experience to Polarean, von Jako has a track record of successful commercialisation of new products. His experience spans radiology, pulmonology and various surgical interventions.
Previously, he served as president and CEO of BrainsWay from 2020 to 2023, a global leader in advanced non-invasive neurostimulation treatments. There, he launched five key products and led a successful US$45mln equity investment round.
Before BrainsWay, von Jako was at Dynatronics (NASDAQ:DYNT), a medical device company, and NinePoint Medical, Inc, another imaging company, where he secured a significant strategic partnership with Merit Medical Systems.
The new Polaerean CEO holds a double BS from Bates College, an MS from MIT and a PhD. from the University of Pécs Medical School.
"I would also like to welcome Chris to Polarean," said chairman West. "His extensive experience in leading commercial-stage MedTech companies, and his training and expertise in radiology will be an excellent fit for Polarean as we continue our dual strategy of achieving commercial sales of XENOVIEW and establishing strategic industry collaborations to accelerate growth in the US and internationally."