Proteomics International Taps David Morris to Accelerate Promarker® Growth

Leadership Transition at a Pivotal Moment

Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX, PIQ) has announced the appointment of David Morris as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective 19 January 2026. This leadership change comes as the company sharpens its focus on commercialising its Promarker® diagnostic platform, a technology with the potential to transform disease prediction and management globally.

Morris succeeds Dr Richard Lipscombe, the company’s founder and long-serving Managing Director, who will retire on 23 February 2026 after 25 years at the helm. Lipscombe’s tenure was instrumental in establishing Proteomics International as a recognised leader in precision diagnostics. The transition period will see Lipscombe supporting Morris to ensure continuity and a smooth handover.

A Proven Commercial Leader for Global Expansion

David Morris brings a wealth of experience from senior roles in global healthcare and medical technology companies, including Cochlear, Nanosonics, Polynovo, and Monash IVF. His expertise spans commercial growth, international market expansion, product commercialisation, and building high-performing teams across major markets in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

His appointment signals Proteomics International’s intent to accelerate the commercial rollout of Promarker®, leveraging Morris’s strategic acumen and regulatory knowledge to navigate complex global markets. The company’s chairman, Dr James Williams, emphasised Morris’s ability to translate innovative science into commercial success as a key asset for the next phase of growth.

Incentives Aligned with Performance and Shareholder Interests

Morris’s remuneration package includes a fixed annual salary of A$450,000 plus statutory superannuation, with eligibility for a short-term incentive of up to 50% of his fixed remuneration based on performance hurdles set by the board. Additionally, he is set to receive a long-term incentive comprising options and performance rights, subject to shareholder approval at the next general meeting.

The options carry a significant premium exercise price and vest over three years, aligning Morris’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. This structure reflects the board’s confidence in Morris’s ability to drive sustained commercial success for the company.

Looking Ahead, Commercialisation and Market Impact

As Proteomics International embarks on this leadership transition, the market will be watching closely how Morris leverages his experience to unlock the commercial potential of Promarker®. The diagnostic platform’s promise in precision medicine could position the company favourably in a competitive healthcare landscape, but execution risks remain.

Investors will be keen to see updates on regulatory progress, market entry strategies, and early commercial traction under Morris’s leadership. The company’s next shareholder meetings will also be pivotal in approving the incentive plans that underpin this new chapter.