Innovative digital molecular analysis Med Tech appoints CPDO and VP Engineering duo

Atonarp’s optical, mass spectrometer, and advanced informatic/software offerings provide the ability to “digitize” diagnostic testing. By eliminating the need for existing reagents and chemistries their technology allows for a quick diagnostic for a variety of acute and chronic diseases, amongst other standard diagnostic panels. Led by seasoned investors and raised over $100MM to date, their most recent fundraise of $50MM closed May 2021.

For the Chief Product Development Officer, they needed an experienced senior leader with a track record of successfully developing and launching a complex instrumentation system into a regulated environment. An engineering background was required, as well as global leadership experience in order to successfully manage 100 people across sites in US, India and Japan.

The Approach

LifeSci Search targeted companies and executives with experience launching complex instrumentation systems in regulated environments. For the first few weeks the search was confidential, limiting the information provided to candidates and lengthening the process. Despite confidentiality, within two weeks of kickoff the first slate of candidates were presented. Early on in interviews, two finalists were selected that matched the criteria presented– Chris Valcke and Shaun Chen. Atonarp leadership recognized how nicely Chris and Shaun’s backgrounds complemented one another. While Chris was ultimately selected for the CPDO role, Chris met with Shaun after being hired to explore the idea of Shaun joining as the VP of Engineering.

The Outcome

The decision was ultimately swayed by the rare profile Chris brought to the table with strategic IVD instrument system development experience from a large company, Ventana (Roche Tissue Diagnostics) coupled with successful startup experience. In compliment, Shaun has a very impressive and unique background in hands-on global R&D leadership and development within a regulated environment as well as a technical background in optics which is a key aspect to Atonarp’s technology. This powerhouse duo helps to position Atonarp strategically in the market as a product leader.  To learn more about Chris and Shaun, please follow the links below.

Atonarp | Behind the Spec: Chris Valcke

Atonarp | Behind the Spec: Shaun Chen