Former Roche executive takes helm at homegrown infectious disease company ahead of major launch

Diagnostics & MedTech News: An ASX-listed molecular diagnostics company is set to welcome a new leader as it embarks on a significant milestone in its commercialisation journey. Allison Rossiter, former Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics, is slated to take the reins as CEO of Genetic Signatures effective 30 September. Rossiter is succeeding Dr John Melki, who stepped down as CEO and from the Board of Directors in April.

Rossiter’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company prepares to launch its EasyScreen Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit into the US market, marking its inaugural FDA-cleared 3base product. The Kit has the broadest coverage of the FDA cleared molecular tests and is able to identify 8 of the most common and clinically relevant gastrointestinal parasites in ~5 hours as a single test, representing 90% of all gastrointestinal parasitic infections.

Dr Nick Samaras, Chairman of the Board at Genetic Signatures, stated “We are delighted to secure an executive of Ms. Rossiter’s calibre and experience as we commence our global expansion into the largest molecular diagnostics market, the United States.”

“Having spent the majority of her career with one of the world’s leading diagnostics company, including working extensively in North America, she is very well‑placed to lead our efforts in this key market. This is a very exciting time for Genetic Signatures as we transition to commercialising our products and technology onto the global stage,” he added.

“I am over the moon to be able to bring my extensive and proven commercial acumen as well as my knowledge of product development, regulatory processes and clinical value to a company such as Genetic Signatures” said Rossiter incoming CEO of Genetic Signatures. “It is an incredibly exciting time for Genetic Signatures and I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for the company and the employees.”

At the end of May, Genetic Signatures also announced the cessation of the EasyScreen Essentials Respiratory Detection Kit development for the US market, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision follows an “internal assessment of the commercial landscape”, considering the emergence of several high-throughput, fully automated respiratory syndromic molecular tests that are gaining traction in the market.

Rossiter brings with her a wealth of experience, having held various senior roles at Roche Diagnostics since 2003, spanning across Europe, North America, and Australia. Notably, as Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics Australia, she oversaw operations with an annual turnover exceeding A$250 million and a staff of 210. Her leadership was instrumental in Roche’s provision of diagnostics tests for the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus during the pandemic.

Previously, she served as the global Lifecycle Leader for molecular point-of-care products with Roche Molecular Systems in the US. During her time with Roche, she also had direct executive responsibility for sales and marketing efforts in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Upon Rossiter’s commencement of the CEO position, Dr Neil Gunn, who has been serving as interim CEO, will transition to continue his role as Non-Executive Director. The company was founded in 2001 by Dr Geoffrey Grigg, former Chief of Molecular Biology Division at the CSIRO.

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