Team
Dr. Ben Panter, Chief Executive Officer
Ben Panter is a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, and was responsible for the development of the MOPED algorithm under Alan Heavens for his PhD and then five years of subsequent research, three of those specifically on medical applications. In addition to being one of the inventors, Ben has led the technical and commercial development of the project. He led the team to win the RCUK Business Plan Competition in 2008, and won the 2009 THALES Scottish Technology Prize. In 2010 he was awarded a scholarship to attend MIT’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme, where in addition to participating in MBA level classes he was able to build an international network of business contacts. For the last 18 months he has been seconded half time to EPCC as their Business Development Manager. He is a (volunteer) non-executive director of BSAC and BSAC International Ltd, a group with annual turnover of £2.5m.
Conrad Chin, Chairman
Conrad Chin is a successful high-growth technology business executive with experience at all stages of company development. He held C-level technology and product roles through to, and beyond, successful exit at Voxar Ltd. As Blackford Analysis’s chairman he combines ability to rapidly build deep technical understanding with strong strategic vision, and global experience in direct and OEM sales.
Keith McKellar, Non-exec Director
Keith McKellar is an experienced director and chief executive having led the formation of the PharmaImaging Group – a pharmaceutical contract research and manufacturing organisation, funded through investment and joint venturing with General Electric and Schering AG and with further Private Equity investment. He is currently Chief Executive (recently becoming part-time) of the internationally renowned Hannah Research Institute where he was responsible for its successful turnaround following withdrawal (prior to his appointment) of core government funding. He is also an advisor to the Centre of Excellence in Life Sciences (Newcastle). He also regularly undertakes investor due diligence for a number of prominent investors including the Petra Group and recently negotiated a £2 million investment for another university start-up.
Prof. Alan Heavens, Non-exec Director
Alan was the original inventor of the technology and leads the technical advisory board to assess future opportunities. While Ben and Rob have massive experience in developing MOPED solutions, it is useful to occasionally have a sounding board for ideas, and this is Alan’s key role in the project. He also provides a link back into the original team, and will act as a talent scout for potential future employees.
