Syft Technologies looks to appoint new directors

Syft Technologies looks to appoint two new directors

News release, 18 September 2008, Syft Technologies Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch-based Syft Technologies (Syft) plans to appoint two new directors, Peter Bryant and Howard Moore, to advance the company’s commercial ambitions.

Syft’s chairman, Hon Ruth Richardson says, “Having proven the technology and subsequently developed customer solutions across a number of sectors, it is now time to ensure that our Board has the appropriate mix of skills and experience to realise the full commercial potential of this innovative technology.”

Howard Moore is a successful biotechnology entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in the dairy industry. He is executive director of BioPacificVentures, one of the world's largest food, nutrition and agriculturally focused venture capital investors. Prior to joining BioPacificVentures, he co-founded Tercica Inc, a biotechnology company that develops and commercialises new products to help patients with endocrine and metabolic diseases. The NASDAQ listed company received FDA approval for its Inclelex (IGF-1) pharmaceutical in August 2005.

Howard has a Bachelor of Technology from Massey University.

Peter Bryant is the founder of Denver-based TransTech USA, a corporate advisory firm that specialises in the development and implementation of corporate and innovation strategy. Its clients range from Global Fortune 500 companies such as BHP and Barrick Gold to emerging start-up companies like Software of Excellence and Proxima Technology. Prior to founding TransTech, Peter spent 24 years working within the global technology industry as an entrepreneur and in senior management roles for large enterprises including GE and Computer Associates.

He is a senior advisor to investment bank Q Advisors and a senior fellow of the Kellogg Innovation Network, part of the Kellogg School of Management. Peter has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University of Wellington, is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The two nominations follow a review of the company’s governance and constitution undertaken by the board and its advisors. In accord with the proposed constitution, Mr Bryant and Mr Moore will be part of a slate of directors submitted to the company’s Annual Meeting in Christchurch on 24 September.

Ruth Richardson says, “This will culminate in a Board which will combine the new directors’ talents with the institutional knowledge of a number of the company’s foundation directors.

“That Syft is able to attract people of such calibre is an acknowledgment to the commercial potential of the company. Peter and Howard have the skills, experience and extensive contacts that can benefit the company’s expansion, particularly into the American market. I look forward to working closely with them and to the contribution I anticipate they will make to Syft’s commercial success.”

ENDS

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