Executive Changes at MTPConnect
15 December 2021
After more than three years, MTPConnect Managing Director and CEO, Dr Dan Grant, is leaving the organisation and Stuart Dignam has been appointed to the interim CEO role.
Dr Grant was appointed as CEO of MTPConnect, the Growth Centre for Australia’s Medical Technology, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sector, in July 2018 when the organisation was responsible for the $15.6 million Growth Centre Project Fund and a $10 million granting program from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) with a team of six.
MTPConnect today has more than $180 million in project funds under management, including five programs delivered for the MRFF, and a high performing team of 24.
MTPConnect’s six strategic funding programs have so far seen $95 million committed to 145 projects across Australia. These investments have yielded an additional $566 million in industry contributions and flow-on external investment.
MTPConnect has also assisted research institutes and SMEs with their translational and industry-focused grant applications, with 64 MTPConnect-assisted projects securing grants worth $307 million.
Dr Grant says the time is right for a change.
“I am so proud of our team at MTPConnect. Together, we’ve built the organisation to be a significant player in Australia’s medical products landscape,” Dr Grant said.
“When you look at the funding allocated through our granting programs, the additional contributions provided by industry, the flow-on external investments and the money secured through grant reviews, MTPConnect has contributed to $968 million flowing into Australia’s medical products sector.
“With such strong outcomes secured, along with longer-term certainty for MTPConnect, the time is right for me to pursue new opportunities and spend more time with my family,” Dr Grant said.
MTPConnect Chair Sue MacLeman thanked Dr Grant for his outstanding contribution to MTPConnect and the growth of the MTP sector.
“When Dan was appointed, he was tasked with taking our organisation to the next level, a challenge he’s met and exceeded,” Ms MacLeman said.
“Due in no small part to Dan’s contribution, MTPConnect is making a real difference to Australia’s medical products sector, supporting innovative projects across the country with funding, driving enhanced collaboration between research and industry and boosting commercialisation outcomes.
“On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank Dan for his leadership, passion for the sector and hard work and wish him all the very best for the future.
“In recognition of our success to date, the Government has approved an additional one year of operation for MTPConnect, and other Growth Centres, through until 30 June 2023.
“This means our MTPConnect team can continue its fantastic work in supporting the development, manufacturing, translation and commercialisation of medical products and innovations, and the workforce skills needed to drive those outcomes.”
The MTPConnect Board will undertake a search for a new CEO, with details to be provided in the new year. To ensure an orderly transition, Dr Grant will remain in the role until the end of January 2022.
MTPConnect’s Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Dignam, has accepted the role of interim CEO. Since joining in August 2018, Mr Dignam has been intimately involved in all aspects of the organisation’s operations and will provide continuity in the ongoing deployment of MTPConnect’s programs.
Prior to joining MTPConnect, Mr Dignam held senior roles at CPA Australia and with the Queensland Government, including as Deputy Trade and Investment Commissioner for the Americas. He has also worked as a broadcaster for ABC Radio and as a government media and policy advisor.