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Team

Meet our dedicated and inspiring leadership team.

Owen Roberts, CFA

Chief Executive Officer

Catherine Love, MSc, CFA

Vice President, Business Development and Investments

Oscar Grilli, P.Eng.

Vice President, Quality Operations

Ruth Organ, CPA

Sr. Director, Controller, Finance
and Administration

Holly Bilton, PhD

Associate Director, Business Development
Associate Director, Business Development

Meenalochani Sivasubramain, PhD

Associate Director, Clinical Programs

Associate Director, Research and Project Management

Zainab Ahmad, PhD

Research Manager

Mohamed Mohammad, MBDC

Manager, Business Development

Uzair Sayani, PhD

External Research Manager

Board of Directors

CPDC is governed by an independent Board of Directors. Board members represent all key sectors associated with the CPDC. The Board of Directors works with the CEO and CPDC executive team to shape the CPDC’s future direction and success.

John Thornback

Chair of the CPDC Board of Directors

Lana Janes

Cofounder, Chief Operating Officer
Abdera Therapeutics

Damian Lamb

Managing Director,
Genesys Capital

Peter Pattison

President,
Interventional Oncology,
Boston Scientific

Owen Roberts

CEO, CPDC

Sheila Singh

Pediatric Neurosurgeon,
McMaster Children’s Hospital

Annick Van den Abbeele

Founding Director,
Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology (CBIO),
 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

John Valliant

CEO,
Fusion Pharmaceuticals

Bettina Hamelin

President and CEO,
Ontario Genomics

Jean-Claude Provost

Interim Chief Medical Officer,
Lantheus

Christopher Kelly

Deputy Director,
Networks of Centres of Excellence

Gay Yuyitung

Vice-Chair of the CPDC Board of
Directors

Karen Gulenchyn

Nuclear Medicine Physician,
Hamilton Hospitals and Cambridge
Memorial Hospital

Suite 111A
175 Longwood Rd. S.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8P 0A1

info@cpdc.ca

OUR PARTNERS

Suite 111
175 Longwood Road. S.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8P 0A1

info@cpdc.ca

Our Partners

© 2024 Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization. All rights reserved.

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Owen Roberts, CFA

Chief Executive Officer

Owen Roberts joined CPDC in October 2022 as CEO bringing over 20 years of biotech executive experience to his role at CPDC.

A serial biotech entrepreneur, Owen was most recently the founder and CEO of Nobelex Biotech Inc., a Canadian biotech contract research organization focused on discovering and developing antibiotics to treat bacterial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. In addition to leading Nobelex since 2014, Owen also held part-time senior management roles with Meta Inc. (as CFO from 2015-2016) and M4K Pharma (as CEO from 2017 to 2020).

Prior to founding Nobelex in 2014, Owen was a co-founder of Affinium Pharmaceuticals, a privately held venture funded, clinical stage, antibiotic company. At Affinium, Owen held the position of CFO and led the company’s finance and business development until the successful sale of Affinium’s antibiotic programs to Debiopharm International, S.A. in February 2014.

Prior to Affinium, in 1998, Owen helped create Borealis Biosciences, one of two companies which would merge to form Affinium in 2000. Prior to entering biotech, Owen was a financial executive at the Canadian subsidiaries of major US financial institutions.

Owen is a graduate of McGill University and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Owen Roberts joined the Centre for Probe Development and (CPDC) in October 2022 as Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 20 years of biotech executive experience to his role at CPDC.

A serial biotech entrepreneur, Owen was most recently the founder and CEO of Nobelex Biotech Inc., a Canadian biotech contract research organization focused on discovering and developing antibiotics to treat bacterial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. In addition to leading Nobelex since 2014, Owen also held part-time senior management roles with Meta Inc. (as CFO from 2015-2016) and M4K Pharma (as CEO from 2017 to 2020).

Prior to founding Nobelex in 2014, Owen was a co-founder of Affinium Pharmaceuticals, a privately held venture funded, clinical stage, antibiotic company. At Affinium, Owen held the position of CFO and led the company’s finance and business development until the successful sale of Affinium’s antibiotic programs to Debiopharm International, S.A. in February 2014. Prior to Affinium, in 1998, Owen helped create Borealis Biosciences, one of two companies which would merge to form Affinium in 2000. Prior to entering biotech, Owen was a financial executive at the Canadian subsidiaries of major US financial institutions.

Owen is a graduate of McGill University and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.
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Catherine Love, MSc, CFA

Vice President, Business Development and Investments

Catherine Love joined CPDC in 2024 as Vice President, Business Development and Investments, bringing over 20 years life science and biotechnology experience to the company.

Prior to joining CPDC, Catherine held senior roles across Canada in sell-side equity research, venture capital and drug royalty investing, corporate investor relations & finance, and not-for-profit innovation organizations.  As a member of CPDC’s leadership team, Catherine heads business development and investments, as well as the evaluation and execution of other strategic initiatives. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from McGill University, Master of Science degree in organic chemistry from the University of Toronto, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Catherine Love joined CPDC in 2024 as Vice President, Business Development and Investments, bringing over 20 years life science and biotechnology experience to the company.

Prior to joining CPDC, Catherine held senior roles across Canada in sell-side equity research, venture capital and drug royalty investing, corporate investor relations & finance, and not-for-profit innovation organizations.  As a member of CPDC’s leadership team, Catherine heads business development and investments, as well as the evaluation and execution of other strategic initiatives. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from McGill University, Master of Science degree in organic chemistry from the University of Toronto, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

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Oscar Grilli, P.Eng.

Vice President, Quality Operations

Oscar Grilli first joined CPDC in May 2019 as the Quality Assurance Director and returned in June 2024 in his current role, bringing over 20 years of managerial experience across pharmaceuticals, CMOs, vaccines, cosmetics, radiopharmaceuticals, and engineering firms. 

He has successfully implemented GMP quality systems, validation programs for both existing and new facilities, routine monitoring programs, training programs, improvement initiatives, and hosting several regulatory inspections across multinational companies. His extensive experience also includes managing various Quality functions such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Sterility Assurance, Technology Transfer, and Analytical Development.

As a member of CPDC’s Leadership Team, Oscar provides strategic vision, leadership, and functional expertise, working closely with other key functional areas. His focus is on delivering Quality expertise and strategic guidance to CPDC, supporting the establishment and improvement of QMS for CPDC’s associated partners, and fostering the company’s business growth.

Oscar holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in Ontario.

Oscar Grilli first joined CPDC in May 2019 as the Quality Assurance Director and returned in June 2024 in his current role, bringing over 20 years of managerial experience across pharmaceuticals, CMOs, vaccines, cosmetics, radiopharmaceuticals, and engineering firms. 

He has successfully implemented GMP quality systems, validation programs for both existing and new facilities, routine monitoring programs, training programs, improvement initiatives, and hosting several regulatory inspections across multinational companies. His extensive experience also includes managing various Quality functions such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Sterility Assurance, Technology Transfer, and Analytical Development.

As a member of CPDC’s Leadership Team, Oscar provides strategic vision, leadership, and functional expertise, working closely with other key functional areas. His focus is on delivering Quality expertise and strategic guidance to CPDC, supporting the establishment and improvement of QMS for CPDC’s associated partners, and fostering the company’s business growth.

Oscar holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in Ontario.

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Ruth Organ, CPA

Sr. Director, Controller, Finance and Administration

Ruth Organ joined CPDC in 2023 as the Sr. Director, Controller, Finance and Administration. Ruth brings over 20 years of experience in strategic financial leadership roles across Canada from various industries, including communications, advertising & publishing, manufacturing and construction. Ruth has led diverse domestic and global teams in finance, accounting and regulatory, and multi year, company wide transformational projects and initiatives.

As a member of the leadership team, Ruth is responsible for the finance operations, HR, IT and administrative initiates as well as managing the financial aspects of various grant programs.

Ruth is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds her undergraduate degree from University of Waterloo.

Ruth Organ joined CPDC in 2023 as the Sr. Director, Controller, Finance and Administration. Ruth brings over 20 years of experience in strategic financial leadership roles across Canada from various industries, including communications, advertising & publishing, manufacturing and construction. Ruth has led diverse domestic and global teams in finance, accounting and regulatory, and multi year, company wide transformational projects and initiatives.

As a member of the leadership team, Ruth is responsible for the finance operations, HR, IT and administrative initiates as well as managing the financial aspects of various grant programs.

Ruth is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds her undergraduate degree from University of Waterloo.

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Holly Bilton, PhD

Associate Director, Business Development

Holly Bilton joined CPDC in 2019, and currently holds the title of Associate Director, Business Development. In her current role, Dr. Bilton is responsible for leading and supporting initiatives in business development and is the current Executive Chair for the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE).

Holly has over 10 years’ experience in radiopharmaceutical development. Prior to joining CPDC, Holly obtained her PhD from McMaster University under Dr. John Valliant, focusing on the discovery and development of radiopharmaceuticals and multimodal imaging probes.

Holly Bilton joined CPDC in 2019, and currently holds the title of Associate Director, Business Development. In her current role, Dr. Bilton is responsible for leading and supporting initiatives in business development and is the current Executive Chair for the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE).

Holly has over 10 years’ experience in radiopharmaceutical development. Prior to joining CPDC, Holly obtained her PhD from McMaster University under Dr. John Valliant, focusing on the discovery and development of radiopharmaceuticals and multimodal imaging probes.

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Meenalochani Sivasubramanian, PhD

Associate Director, Clinical Programs

Meenalochani Sivasubramanian joined CPDC in December 2022 as the Associate Director, Clinical Programs. In her current role, Dr. Sivasubramanian manages the PSMA 1007 clinical program at CPDC.

Dr. Sivasubramanian has a PhD in Neuroscience from the National University of Singapore and over 8 years of experience as a postdoctoral fellow working on various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders of the brain, elucidating pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential treatment strategies for drug addictions, schizophrenia, Huntington Disease and Parkinson’s disease. Prior to joining here Meena worked as a Program Manager managing the operations of the Slaight Family Centre for Advanced MRI at UHN.

Meenalochani Sivasubramanian joined CPDC in December 2022 as the Associate Director, Research & Project Management. In her current role, Dr. Sivasubramanian manages the PSMA 1007 Clinical programs at CPDC.

Dr. Sivasubramanian has a PhD in Neuroscience from the National University of Singapore and over 8 years of experience as a postdoctoral fellow working on various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders of the brain, elucidating pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential treatment strategies for drug addictions, schizophrenia, Huntington Disease and Parkinson’s disease. Prior to joining here Meena worked as a Program Manager managing the operations of the Slaight Family Centre for Advanced MRI at UHN.
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Zainab Ahmad, PhD

Research Manager
Zainab Ahmad joined CPDC in December 2022 as the
Research Manager. In her current role, Dr. Ahmad
manages the discovery and development research
programs at CPDC.

Zainab has over 6 years of experience in the
development of radiopharmaceuticals having
completed her PhD at McMaster University under Dr.
John Valliant focusing on the discovery and
development of small molecule- and
nanoparticle-based radiopharmaceuticals. Prior to
this, Zainab worked as a Regulatory Consultant at a
chemicals-focused consultancy firm.
Zainab Ahmad joined CPDC in December 2022 as the Research Manager. In her current role, Dr. Ahmad manages the discovery and development research programs at CPDC.

Zainab has over 6 years of experience in the development of radiopharmaceuticals having completed her PhD at McMaster University under Dr. John Valliant focusing on the discovery and development of small molecule- and nanoparticle-based radiopharmaceuticals. Prior to this, Zainab worked as a Regulatory Consultant at a chemicals-focused consultancy firm.
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Mohamed Mohammad, MBDC

Manager, Business Development

Mohamed Mohammad joined CPDC in 2024 as Manager, Business Development. Mohamed graduated from McMaster University with a Master’s in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization, and has  dedicated his career to working with nonprofit organizations. In addition to business development, Mohamed plays a supporting role for the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE). Mohamed has a strong foundation in both the science and business aspects of the Biotech sector. In his role, he aims to drive growth and foster strategic partnerships to drive the goal of making nuclear medicine available for all Canadians.

Mohamed Mohammad joined CPDC in 2024 as Manager, Business Development. Mohamed graduated from McMaster University with a Master’s in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization, and has  dedicated his career to working with nonprofit organizations. In addition to business development, Mohamed plays a supporting role for the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE). Mohamed has a strong foundation in both the science and business aspects of the Biotech sector. In his role, he aims to drive growth and foster strategic partnerships to drive the goal of making nuclear medicine available for all Canadians.

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Uzair Sayani, PhD

External Research Manager

Uzair Sayani joined CPDC in June 2024 as the External Research Manager.

In his current role, Dr. Sayani manages CPDC’s current and future R&D radiopharmaceutical projects.

Uzair has over 6 years of experience in  radiochemistry and molecular imaging, having completed his PhD at University of Ottawa under Dr. Benjamin Rotstein focusing on advancing key diagnostic and therapeutic radiotracers to improve patient outcomes.

Uzair has a Bachelor of Science from Brock University in Biotechnology. Prior to joining CPDC, Uzair worked as a translational radiochemist in a GMP manufacturing facility producing radiopharmaceuticals for use in clinical development.

Uzair Sayani joined CPDC in June 2024 as the External Research Manager.

In his current role, Dr. Sayani manages CPDC’s current and future R&D radiopharmaceutical projects.

Uzair has over 6 years of experience in  radiochemistry and molecular imaging, having completed his PhD at University of Ottawa under Dr. Benjamin Rotstein focusing on advancing key diagnostic and therapeutic radiotracers to improve patient outcomes.

Uzair has a Bachelor of Science from Brock University in Biotechnology. Prior to joining CPDC, Uzair worked as a translational radiochemist in a GMP manufacturing facility producing radiopharmaceuticals for use in clinical development.

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