Cherrell Hirst AO, FTSE, MBBS, BEdSt, D.Univ(Hons), FAICD
Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Chair

Cherrell’s initial career focus was in clinical medicine and for almost 20 years she was Director of the Wesley Breast Clinic. Her interest in the value of education took her to the Council of QUT in 1990 and she was Chancellor from 1994-2004.

Research related to Cherrell’s clinical work and her exposure to research at QUT drew her to biotechnology where she has filled a number of roles including: Director of Peplin Inc (Chair 2000-07), member of the AusIndustry IR&D Board Biological Committee from 2001-06, member of the Qld Smart State Council since 2004, and CEO of QBV since 2007.

Cherrell’s current life sciences directorships include ImpediMed Ltd and Tissue Therapies Ltd, and she serves as director for QBV investee companies Hatchtech Ltd, Xenome Ltd and Relevare Inc. In addition she is Chair of Queensland Tropical Health Alliance.
Cherrell holds and has held a number of directorships in healthcare and financial services companies including Medibank Private Ltd, Avant Group Ltd, and Suncorp and is engaged with a number of not-for-profits.

In recognition of her work in breast cancer and education Cherrell has been recognised with three Honorary Doctorates (SCU 1988, GU 2002 and QUT 2005), and the award of Officer of the Order of Australia (1988) and a centenary medal.

Cherrell was Queenslander of the Year in 1995.

Kathy Nielsen, PhD, M.Intell Prop. Law, M. Pharm, B.Sc, GAICD
Senior Investment Manager

Kathy has 25 years’ experience in the life science field ranging from medical research to technology transfer, commercialisation and finance – developing early-stage technologies with a focus on new therapeutics and medical devices. Currently, Kathy is investment manager for several companies and holds a number of board positions as Director (Verva, Relevare, Protagonist) or Observer (Advent Pharmaceuticals, Gelesis). Having expertise in intellectual property, a solid scientific background derived from several years in academia and significant industry experience (pharmaceutical and biotechnology), Kathy has driven inventive concepts through to high-quality investment ready propositions and has played key roles in the establishment, fund raising, early stage operations and implementation of exit strategies for several start-up companies.

Kathy's recent previous roles include Director of Intellectual Property (Xenome Ltd), Executive Officer and Director (ElaCor Pty Ltd) and Manager, Intellectual Property and Development (IMBcom Pty Ltd).

Kathy is a 2010 recipient of a Queensland Smart State Commercialisation Fellowship (Investment Innovation Exchange).

Andrew Michell FCMA GAICD
Finance and Administration Manager

Andrew joined QBV following consulting and contracting assignments with QIC and its subsidiaries.

Andrew has substantial experience in financial services, including at the Financial Management of Suncorp Wealth Management business and in the UK as Group Financial Controller of Liberty Life and Finance Director of Hansard Fund Managers.

Andrew is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and has served on the National Executive of CIMA in Australia as the Australian president.

Moira Crowson MBA
Business Administrator

Moira has a diverse administrative background with experience in professional associations, the education sector, arts organisations and disability services.

Before joining the QBV team in 2004, Moira held positions as Administration Officer at St Augustine's College, Springfield; Office Administrator/PA to the CEO of the Energy Development Association Australia Inc; Community Music Program Co-coordinator at Griffith University Conservatorium of Music; Performance Production Team Member for both the 1996 Brisbane Biennial and the final Warana Festival as well as serving as an honorary office bearer for a number of community groups.