Appointment of Dr. Christopher von Jako as new CEO

Durham, N.C., June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX), the medical imaging company, announces that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Christopher von Jako, Ph.D. (“Dr. von Jako”) as Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company, effective immediately. Dr. von Jako succeeds Richard Hullihen, who will be retiring and will be stepping down as a Director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Hullihen will assist the Company in a transitional position for the next six months.

Since his appointment as CEO in 2017, Richard has overseen significant progress for Polarean. He led the Company through its successful IPO in 2018 and over $60M of capital raises culminating in Polarean receiving FDA approval for XENOVIEW (Xenon Xe¹²⁹ hyperpolarized) for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, and the initiation of the Company’s commercial phase.

With 30 years of global healthcare leadership experience, Dr. von Jako has led both private and publicly listed businesses, with a proven track record of commercialization while developing and executing sound business and operating strategies. He has experience across a multitude of healthcare sectors, including radiology, pulmonology, and various surgical interventions.

In his most recent executive position, Dr. von Jako served as President and CEO of BrainsWay from 2020 to 2023. BrainsWay (NASDAQ & TASE: BWAY), is a global leader in advanced non-invasive neurostimulation treatments for mental health disorders. At BrainsWay, he launched five key differentiated products, obtained numerous reimbursement coverages, and executed an equity investment with a follow-on raise of over $45m, comprised of top-tier US MedTech investors.

Prior to this, Dr. von Jako was CEO of Dynatronics (NASDAQ: DYNT), a medical device company providing restorative products to accelerate optimal health, from 2018 to 2019, where he developed a new growth strategy focused on driving sales, business development, and proactive investor relations. Before joining Dynatronics, Dr. von Jako served as President and CEO of NinePoint Medical, Inc., a medical imaging company, where he successfully secured a significant strategic investment and long-term partnership with Merit Medical Systems, Inc. He also served as President and CEO of NeuroTherm, Inc., a pain management business until its acquisition by St. Jude Medical Corporation. Earlier in his career, Dr. von Jako worked in senior executive roles of progressive responsibility with other leading medical device companies such as Integra LifeSciences, Covidien, Medtronic, and Radionics.