Regenerative medicine company Orthocell Ltd (ASX:OCC, OTC:ORHHF) will implement a series of board changes to support its global expansion and sharpen its commercial focus, particularly in the United States. The Hon Kim Beazley AC will step down from his role as independent non-executive director for health reasons, but will remain an advisor on US and defence matters. Former Deloitte Perth managing partner Michael McNulty will join as non-executive director and chair of the Audit Committee from September 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, US-based Director Dr Ravi Thadhani has been promoted to lead independent director and will chair a new committee focused on commercialising the company’s flagship nerve repair product, Remplir™, in the US. The board changes follow recent appointments of Jim Piper as chief financial officer and Adam Wood as chief commercial officer.
Kim Beazley steps down but continues in advisory role
The Hon Kim Beazley AC will remain with OCC in an advisory capacity on US and defence-related issues. Beazley’s tenure has been marked by significant progress in Orthocell’s US strategy, with his diplomatic experience proving crucial in advancing the company’s profile in the largest healthcare market globally.
Chairman John Van Der Wielen acknowledged Beazley’s impact: “Kim’s extensive US experience, garnered from his extraordinary political and diplomatic career and decades of public service, have been pivotal in strengthening Orthocell’s international expansion.”
Michael McNulty joins the board and takes audit leadership
Michael McNulty brings deep experience in governance, audit, healthcare and strategic consulting.
He has served on numerous boards including Deloitte Australia and the Deloitte Foundation, and held roles supporting major public sector clients such as WA Health.
His expertise will be instrumental in Orthocell’s commercial growth. McNulty will receive 2,000,000 options, vesting after two years, with an exercise price of A$1.53.
Dr Thadhani to lead new US commercialisation push
Dr Ravi Thadhani has been elevated to lead independent director. In his expanded role, he will also chair a newly established committee tasked with commercialising Remplir™, Orthocell’s nerve repair product, in the US.
Chairman Van Der Wielen welcomed the promotion, noting Thadhani’s leadership will bolster “collaboration dedicated to the US market” as the company accelerates its expansion strategy. The move reflects a broader effort to localise expertise as Orthocell scales its operations in the US healthcare landscape.
Executive team strengthened to support growth
These board-level changes follow the appointment of two senior executives: Jim Piper as chief financial officer and Adam Wood as chief commercial officer. The appointments underscore Orthocell’s commitment to a robust leadership structure as it prepares to ramp up product commercialisation efforts globally.
Remplir™, which recently gained clearance in the US and several other jurisdictions, is central to the company’s commercial strategy.
Orthocell has already secured 14 US distributors.