AUCKLAND, NZ: Rua Bioscience (NZX: RUA) has appointed Paul Naske as Chief Executive Officer. Interim Managing Director, Anna Stove, will return to Chair the Rua Board as Trevor Burt announces his retirement.

The appointment of CEO is an internal one and is effective 1 March 2023. Paul is a stalwart of the company, recruited by Rua’s cofounders in 2019. In that time, Paul has substantially progressed Rua’s global and New Zealand business goals having held roles as Chief Operations Officer and more recently as Chief Commercial Officer.

Paul oversaw the construction of Rua’s two R&D facilities in Mangaoporo and Gisborne. He supported the team through the GMP process and was instrumental in navigating the regulatory environment within which Rua launched its first product for New Zealand patients.

Paul Naske brings a strong background in science and general management, having worked in a diverse range of industries including roading, construction and agribusiness.

Prior to joining Rua, Paul Naske was the General Manager at Corson Grain, with a focus on increasing the profitability of the Asia-Pacific business base. Prior to that, he spent 14 years within the Fletcher Challenge group of companies as General Manager of CSP Pacific (a business unit of Fletcher Building specialising in roading and construction).

“I’m incredibly proud to take the lead at Rua as we enter an exciting new phase of commercialisation. It’s an honour to lead a team dedicated to improved patient health and with a strong commitment to social enterprise,” he says.

Rua Bioscience Chairman, Trevor Burt, is pleased that Rua’s internal succession plan has ensured Paul’s promotion as the company builds a market presence in dynamic domestic and global environments.

“Paul has proven himself to be an experienced and multi-disciplined executive with intimate knowledge of our business and the industry. He understands how to maximise global opportunities. I’ve been particularly impressed by Paul’s ability to provide visible leadership and foster an approach that is patient-focused and aligned with our values,” he says.

Interim Managing Director, Anna Stove, will return to the Board as Chair. Anna succeeds Trevor Burt, who was appointed in 2019 and retires due to ill health.

Trevor says “it’s been an honour and a privilege to lead a tenacious Rua team in what has been an incredibly challenging business environment. I’m sorry to depart, and know I leave the company in great hands and well-positioned to execute its global strategy.”

In reflecting on Trevor’s contribution over a four-year tenure, Anna says “Trevor has displayed incredible leadership. His extensive corporate executive and governance experience was invaluable as we built a diversified and resilient business.

“I look forward to working closely with Paul as we build a focused strategy that ensures sustainable success. We are now poised for accelerated global growth.”