Polarean Imaging appoints new CEO as it enters commercial phase

LONDON, UK: Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX), the medical imaging company, has announced that it has appointed Christopher von Jako, Ph.D. as its new Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company, effective immediately.

Dr. von Jako succeeds Richard Hullihen, who has retired and stepped down as a Director of the Company, after leading Polarean through its successful IPO in 2018 and obtaining FDA approval for its XENOVIEW™ product earlier this year.

Dr. von Jako is a seasoned healthcare executive with 30 years of global experience in leading both private and publicly listed businesses, with a focus on radiology, pulmonology, and various surgical interventions. He has a proven track record of commercialization, business development, and investor relations. He joins Polarean from BrainsWay, a global leader in advanced non-invasive neurostimulation treatments for mental health disorders, where he served as President and CEO from 2020 to 2023.

Kenneth West, Chairman of Polarean, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to Polarean as our new CEO. He brings a wealth of relevant experience and expertise to lead Polarean into its next phase of growth and value creation. We are confident that he will build on the strong foundation that Richard has established and drive the commercialization of our unique and innovative technology in the US and globally.”

He added: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding contribution to Polarean over the past four years. He has been instrumental in transforming Polarean from a research-focused company to a market-ready organization with a clear regulatory pathway and a compelling value proposition. We wish him all the best for his retirement.”

Dr. von Jako said: “I am honored and excited to join Polarean as its new CEO. Polarean has a truly differentiated technology that has the potential to revolutionize lung imaging and improve patient outcomes. I look forward to working with the talented team at Polarean, as well as our customers, partners, and shareholders, to realize the full potential of this opportunity.”

Polarean is a medical imaging company that develops and commercializes hyperpolarized Xenon gas for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. The Company’s XENOVIEW™ product received FDA approval in May 2023 and is expected to launch in the US market later this year. The Company also has ongoing clinical trials in other indications, such as pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, and COVID-19. Polarean is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, USA.

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