Hon. Jaala Pulford Appointed as Chair of MTPConnect

27 February 2023

MTPConnect, Australia’s Growth Centre for the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, has appointed Hon. Jaala Pulford as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board.

Ms Pulford enjoyed a distinguished career as a senior minister in the Victorian state government, including serving as Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy until her retirement ahead of last year’s state election.

In this key portfolio, Ms Pulford led the establishment of mRNA Victoria and, working with the Australian Government, secured pandemic scale manufacturing capability for Australia through the partnership with Moderna. She was also instrumental in bringing BioNTech to Australia to deliver further R&D and manufacturing capabilities.

Sue MacLeman, who has served with distinction as MTPConnect’s Chair since 2018, will now step down from the Board, but will continue to act as an advisor though the initial transition. She says the appointment of the new Chair will unlock new possibilities for the organisation’s future growth.

“I am delighted to welcome Jaala to the MTPConnect Board and the role of Chair,” Ms MacLeman said.

“Ms Pulford’s leadership, achievements and deep experience in government, public administration and governance will be an asset to MTPConnect and the broader medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector across Australia.

“As I said when I announced I’d be stepping down, renewal is important for all organisations and I know Jaala will effectively leverage her experiences and provide new perspectives to ensure MTPConnect continues to be impactful and agile into the future.

“I am extremely proud of MTPConnect’s achievements – and of our talented team across the country - and I look forward to celebrating its ongoing success,” she said.

Ms Pulford says she’s thrilled to take on the role of Chair at a critical time for MTPConnect and the sector.

“MTPConnect is delivering some outstanding results and helping to unlock the enormous potential of Australia’s medical products sector,” Ms Pulford said.

“I have worked closely with our dedicated health and medical researchers as they translate and commercialise their discoveries. I am committed to developing the start-up ecosystem as a generator of future jobs and reflecting on my work with companies like Moderna, I know first-hand the contribution industry makes in growing Australia’s vibrant medical products sector.

“MTPConnect remains focused on supporting the science, research, innovation and entrepreneurship that underpins Australia’s vibrant medical products sector.

“Along with my colleagues on the Board, I look forward to contributing to MTPConnect’s work supporting the science, research and entrepreneurship that underpins medical product innovation and scaling up for growth,” Ms Pulford said.

Ms Pulford was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2006. She holds a number of positions in the MTP sector including as Director of the Children’s Cancer Foundation and a member of the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health Advisory Council.