Pacific Edge Announces US Leadership Succession Plan

Pacific Edge today announces a leadership succession at its US subsidiary, Pacific Edge Diagnostics USA (PEDUSA).

Jackie Walker, currently PEDUSA Chief Executive Officer, will retire end of August 2022, at which time David Levison, currently PEDUSA Executive Chairman, will assume the new role of PEDUSA President, reporting directly to Chief Executive, Dr. Peter Meintjes. Following her retirement, Jackie will continue as a consultant to the company to assist in the leadership transition.

“PEDUSA is the largest business unit within Pacific Edge, accounting for over 90% of the company’s revenues. I am delighted with the work put in to succession planning by David and Jackie to date, and the commitment Jackie has made to continuity through the transition,” Dr. Meintjes said.

“After four years as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Pacific Edge Limited, David stepped in to assist in leading the US business in November 2020 following the company gaining landmark coverage by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“He understands the specifics of our US business, but also the global potential of Cxbladder given the strength of the clinical evidence we have generated, and will continue to generate with our clinical study partners in the US, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.”

Mr Levison has spent more than 25 years in the healthcare industry, working across a range of sectors from pharmaceuticals to services and diagnostics. He has been the founder and CEO of a number of high growth medical and medical technology businesses in the US as well as working in private equity.

Dr. Meintjes also thanked Ms. Walker for her 10 years of leadership and commitment to Pacific Edge.

“Jackie has made an enormous contribution to the company, establishing PEDUSA in 2012 and leading the successful commercialisation of Cxbladder in the US market, including playing a pivotal role in the marquee achievement of CMS coverage. Under her leadership, the Cxbladder brand has also become well-known among our key market of urologists, and is now associated with clinical excellence.

“Additionally, Jackie led from the front in establishing key commercial relationships such as Kaiser Permanente and the Veterans Association, the two largest integrated healthcare providers in the US.”

Mr Levison said he was excited about the opportunities for Pacific Edge in the world’s largest healthcare market.

“Jackie and the team have done a wonderful job of driving our success to date for Cxbladder in the US. That foundation will allow us to build on Cxbladder’s clinical benefits for the detection of urothelial cancer and for the care of those patients being monitored for bladder cancer recurrence.

“I am pleased to have worked closely with Jackie over the last several years and I am looking forward to stepping into the new role of PEDUSA President as we continue to broaden the reach of Cxbladder. Our products provide clinicians with higher diagnostic accuracy and patients with alternatives to costly and invasive procedures, both of which are important factors in improving cancer care worldwide,” Mr Levison said.

Ms Walker said: “PEDUSA achievements in the US have been remarkable, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I played in this success. I look forward to continuing to support the company after my retirement and wish Peter, David and the rest of the team every success.”