Bob Englert to lead NetScientific's Vortex Biosciences

The AIM-traded firm said Englert, who is currently chief technology officer, would take up the position with immediate effect replacing Gene Walther, who had been CEO since January 2016.

Walther resigned to pursue other interests, it explained, and would be stepping down from his position as CEO and member of the board.

Vortex also appointed Steve Crouse, who had been chief commercial officer since March 2016, to the position of chief operating officer.

“Vortex is approaching a critical commercialisation phase with its unique CTC isolation technology, and Bob is in a unique position to drive this forward,” said NetScientific CEO and Vortex chairman François Martelet.

“With expertise gained from his role as chief technology officer and underpinned by years of industry experience, particularly in the diagnostics field, we believe he is the right person to take Vortex through the next phase of its growth.

“I would also like to thank Gene Walther for his contribution to the company during its formative years, and we wish Gene all the best for the future.”

Bob Englert, incoming CEO at Vortex, said the company had developed a CTC isolation and enrichment technology that was “superior” to other products, and positioned to “fundamentally improve” the capabilities of researchers and clinicians to identify cancer cells using a non-invasive liquid biopsy sample.

“I look forward to continuing the impressive progress that the team at Vortex has made in bringing this product to market.”