Our Staff
Dr Brent Jenkins - Chief Executive Officer
Dr Jenkins has a PhD from Oxford University and an MBA from INSEAD, France. He has worked in corporate planning and operational roles and was a senior consultant with an advisory firm specialising in commercialisation of new technology. Since joining Newcastle Innovation as CEO in February 2007, he has led a complete overhaul of the company's brand and the development of a renewed drive to serve our business partners and support the University's researchers.
David Fleming - Business Development Manager
David Fleming is responsible for identifying, assessing and exploiting intellectual property generated by the University of Newcastle. He combines business development of the University's IP with financial management responsibility for companies controlled by Newcastle Innovation.
David holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After holding management roles in multinational companies, he joined Newcastle Innovation in 2002.
Chris Kelleher - Business Development Manager
Chris Kelleher is completing an MBA at the University of Newcastle. He has 17 years experience in commercial management roles in the building, manufacturing and health industries. Since joining Newcastle Innovation in 2001 he has established three start-up companies and initiated licence deals. Chris's role is to identify, assess and exploit intellectual property generated by the University of Newcastle.
Dr David Nicolson - Business Development Manager
Dr Nicolson has a PhD (Chemistry) from Monash University and an MBA (Technology Management) from Deakin University. David has held senior executive roles in biotech, pharmaceutical and agro-production companies. David has spearheaded the development and international launches of products ranging from natural products and drug discovery tools to e-commerce sites and software; he joined Newcastle Innovation in 2008. David's role is to identify, assess and exploit intellectual property generated by the University of Newcastle.
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Irene Platt - Marketing Officer
Irene's focus is to build awareness of Newcastle Innovation amongst the academic community at the University and marketing research capabilities and Newcastle Innovation's services to key stakeholders. She also provides marketing support to our research divisions.
Irene has a Bachelor of Social Science degree majoring in marketing from the University of Newcastle. She has worked in marketing roles in manufacturing, engineering, and research and technology.
Kim Turner - Executive Assistant
Kim provides administrative support to the CEO and the Business Development Managers. She assists them in the management of IP and Consultancy research agreements as well as commercial projects.
She is also responsible for coordinating the Newcastle Innovation Commercialisation Boot Camps and other events.
Kay Caban - Accounts Manager
Kay is responsible for the daily management of Newcastle Innovation's financial functions. She controls the accounts and investments at Newcastle Innovation, supervises payroll and provides financial information and assistance to Newcastle Innovation research divisions and spin-off companies.
Joanne Pigott- Accounts Assistant
Joanne is Newcastle Innovation's payroll officer. She also provides administrative support to the Accounts Manager.
Renee Butcher - Receptionist / Newcastle Innovation RTO Course Coordinator
Renee manages the reception, handles all enquiries and provides administrative support to the business team. She also coordinates course enrolments and the administration for our registered training courses.
