Dr. Robert Parnell Joins Extera Partners to Expand Its Diagnostics Advisory Capabilities

Saturday, March 01, 2008
Dr. Robert Parnell who until recently headed business development for Bayer Diagnostics and Bayer Diabetes Care joins Extera Partners to expand its diagnostics advisory capabilities. As a member of Extera’s internal senior executive team, he will work with high-growth IVD and biomarker lifescience companies to accelerate product R&D, business development and organizational growth.

“Robert has more than 15 years’ business development experience in the diagnostics industry. He led many of Bayer’s most important M&A and licensing deals and has tremendous expertise in commercializing novel diagnostics. We are excited to welcome Robert and look forward to his expertise in building successful diagnostic companies,” said Dr. Jonathan Reis, Managing General Partner and Co-Founder.

“With new trends in pharmacogenomics and companion diagnostics and a rapidly evolving reimbursement environment, diagnostics companies have more potential than ever to transform healthcare delivery. Extera’s unique shared upside model, unmatched Advisor network, and experienced management team make it a great platform that I can leverage to help grow young diagnostic companies into successful industry leaders,” added Robert.

Robert is an experienced diagnostic industry executive and has held high-level positions in business development and product commercialization. Most recently, he was VP Global Licensing & New Business Development at Bayer HealthCare’s Diabetes Care Division, following ten years as VP Global Licensing at Bayer’s Diagnostics Division. Bayer Diagnostics was one of the world’s leading diagnostics companies before its recent sale to Siemens Medical Solutions. Earlier in his career, Robert held leadership positions with Kodak Diagnostics (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, J&J), Amersham International (GE Healthcare) and Roche. Prior to transitioning into business development, he spent 10 years leading global sales and marketing for new diagnostics and other products. Throughout his career, Robert has developed a deep understanding of the IVD, biomarker and laboratory research markets, managed complex international transactions and championed the commercialization of novel diagnostic products. Robert earned his PhD from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.