July 13, 2020

Vetsina Animal Diagnostics names Simon Wheeler as first CEO

The newly formed animal health company Vetsina Animal Diagnostics has announced the appointment of Dr. Simon Wheeler as its first chief executive officer.

Dr. Wheeler is a veterinarian and strategic leader with over 20 years' experience in the global animal health industry. He previously held strategic, technical, marketing and innovation roles in various companies including Pharmacia and Novartis.

He also reached senior positions in clinical veterinary academe in the UK and US, lecturing at international meetings and conducting research, as well as publishing three books and over 125 articles and chapters, and mentoring trainees. He has received several awards for teaching and contributions to veterinary surgery.

"With his range of experience and skills, Simon is a great fit with the position of CEO at this exciting new company", said Hugh Ilyine, CEO of DESTINA Genomics and executive director of Vetsina.

"We know Vetsina's development and growth is in good hands", he added. DESTINA and Roslin Technologies together formed Vetsina to maximise the impact of a revolutionary chemical-based system for detecting nucleic acids and single nucleotide polymorphisms, for the development of simple, fast, accurate and cost-effective products for PCR-free detection of micro RNAs in human medicine, by applying it to animal health.

Wheeler recently held several consultancies including chief operating officer of Roslin Technologies, and was commercial consultant to Advanced Anaesthesia Specialists. He has also supported various biotech companies and held several board positions.

Roslin Technologies is an Edinburgh, Scotland-based biotech start-up, while DESTINA Genomics, also Edinburgh-based, was founded in 2011.

Vetsina will also do research within the animal diagnostics arena to focus on targets based on market need, technical feasibility and the development of a balanced portfolio.

Dr. Simon Wheeler (VETSINA PHOTO)