Montu has appointed Jodie Thomas to lead the firm’s corporate strategy, external engagement, and patient advocacy initiatives while SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals has named Lauren Stark as its new general manager.
Thomas brings more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience to the role of vice president, corporate affairs and patient advocacy, most recently as senior director of patient access, public affairs, and policy for Oceania at Novo Nordisk.
Montu said Thomas is recognised globally for her expertise, and has played a pivotal role in advancing market access and policy strategies for a number of treatments.
Managing director Christopher Strauch said her “exceptional ability to unite patients, policymakers, and industry will be critical as we work to improve access and deliver meaningful change for Australians”.
Thomas added: “Joining Montu is an extraordinary opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients facing systemic challenges to healthcare access.
“I look forward to contributing to the development of reforms that expand safe and effective access through telehealth, and deliver transformative solutions for patients nationwide.”
Meanwhile, SOMAÍ has appointed former Vitura Health head of pharmacy sales Lauren Stark as its new GM.
Stark has more than 25 years of sales and leadership experience across the health, pharmacy, and real estate sectors, with a strong focus on driving business growth and innovation.
“Throughout her career, Lauren has established herself as a results-driven leader with a proven ability to build high-performing teams and successfully launch brands into competitive markets,” SOMAÍ said.
“Her expertise in customer-focused strategies has delivered outstanding outcomes, including record revenue growth and enhanced market presence across integrative medicine, pharmaceuticals, and natural medicine.”
At Vitura, SOMAÍ said Stark successfully developed and executed strategies that delivered record unit sales of cannabis products.
She also played a pivotal role in the early launch of therapeutic nicotine vaping products in Australia, securing partnerships with major prescribing clinics, dispensaries, and pharmacy groups.
SOMAÍ CEO Michael Sassano added: “Lauren’s appointment marks our commitment to developing and investing into the Australian market.
“Her wealth of experience, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to
advancing healthcare align perfectly with our mission to bring Australian doctors
and patients the most comprehensive EU-GMP extract portfolio, as well as newest
flower lines and brands.”
