NOTTINGHAM, UK, 15 May 2020 – Locate Bio Ltd (“Locate”), an orthobiologics company pursuing multiple high value spinal opportunities, today announces that John von Benecke has been appointed CEO to drive Locate’s lead program for spinal fusion and continue to build out its spinal pipeline. John von Benecke has served as COO/CFO for Locate since September 2019 and has significant experience in both large corporate healthcare businesses and smaller MedTech start-ups. John’s previous experience includes an executive role at ApaTech Ltd, a leading UK orthobiologics success story, during its period of rapid international growth through to a $330m exit to Baxter.
John von Benecke, CEO of Locate, said:
I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the Locate team and ultimately to bring products to market that will help surgeons around the world improve the lives of people suffering with debilitating spinal conditions.
Dr Ian Wilding, Chairman of Locate said:
I am delighted by John’s promotion. As we focus on our significant orthobiologics opportunities, his spine industry knowledge and broad experience of taking high growth start-ups through significant value growth points will be critical.
Peter Dines, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Life Sciences & Biosciences of Mercia Asset Management, the lead investor in Locate said:
Locate has continued to make impressive progress in developing its lead program for spinal fusion – an area of core expertise. The lead product has the potential to disrupt a three-billion USD global market. We look forward to continuing to support John and the Locate team build a world leading orthobiologics business.
