MEET THE TEAM
Jos Belgrave
CEO
Jos joined Hallmarq in January 2009 and became CEO in January 2010. He has 13 years’ experience as an equine vet, developing a large hospital practice in Arundel, UK. Since selling his practice he has co-founded Vetstream, an online information service for vets around the world, worked for Intervet at their head office in The Netherlands as well as working in the human healthcare market in various roles.
When not at work, Jos can often be found walking his energetic spaniel Cooper or trying to work out how to fit more days skiing into a year.
Nick Bolas
Founder Director
Nick came to MRI in its earliest days as part of his research work at Oxford University and has helped develop bespoke MRI systems for a wide range of applications in medicine, biological science, and industry. In 2000, along with two business partners, he founded Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Ltd to develop the world's only MRI scanner for the standing sedated horse. With a D.Phil. (Oxon) and MBA (Open University) he now manages the equine marketing and training relationships with vets and horse owners.
Nick owns two horses of his own; Emma 5 and Daisy 22, and in his spare time enjoys riding and schooling them. In addition, he is a keen amateur photographer.
Steve Roberts
Chief Technical Officer
Steve has led Hallmarq’s product development activities since 2004 and has over 25 years' experience developing MRI systems, with a PhD and a first-class honours degree in MRI Physics. Steve has worked on the development of both high and low field MRI systems, which includes obtaining the world’s first human head images at 4.7 Tesla and human body images at 3 Tesla. Steve held several management positions before joining Hallmarq.
Outside of work he is a keen space enthusiast and STEM ambassador. Steve has seen 4 space shuttle launches, witnessed 5 solar eclipses and met most of the pioneering Apollo astronauts!
Kirsti Gordon
Chief Commercial Officer
Kirsti started her career as a radiographer in the NHS at hospitals including the John Radcliffe in Oxford and the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. With an MSc in Radiotherapy and Oncology, she made the transition into the commercial world spending 9 years working for a US medical technology company; ultimately as Business Director for Neurosurgery responsible for sales and business development in EIMEA. Kirsti’s wealth of commercial experience, and her background in human imaging, allows her to provide a different perspective to the veterinary field.
In her spare time Kirsti events her horse Bran at FEI one-star level and generally spends time pandering to his many needs!
Dan Brown
Vice President - North America
Dan is a veterinarian with equine, general practice and commercial experience. He joined Hallmarq as Business Development Director in 2010. Prior to that he worked in veterinary pharmaceuticals for almost 15 years, encompassing sales and marketing roles in both Europe and the USA. Dan has responsibility for Hallmarq’s fast-growing North American business for Standing Equine and PetVet MRI systems, in addition to the equine business in Australia and New Zealand.
When not in the office, Dan enjoys the countryside; particularly fly fishing and spending time with his wife exploring new places with their rescue dog Riesling.
Mike Torres
Vice President Operations - North America
Mike joined us in August 2017. Prior to this, he spent 17 years driving the growth and success of a leading healthcare technology company, finishing his tenure as their North American Operations Manager. He has developed and led teams in customer service, technical support, field service, production, logistics, regulatory and safety, quality assurance, and business development. He holds numerous professional certifications in business management, operations, and healthcare technologies and has an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University.
When not working, Mike enjoys adventures with his family (especially Disney World), likes radio control vehicles, fishing, audio technology and gadgets, and loves guitars
Shawn Miller
PetVet Sales Manager - North America
Shawn joined Hallmarq as North American Sales Manager in February 2015 and has responsibility for generating new business for the PetVet MRI system. Shawn has over 12 years’ experience selling technology in the veterinary industry with companies such as Idexx, Patterson and Cubex. With an extensive background in diagnostic imaging, and established relationships within the veterinary industry, Shawn brings a unique skillset to Hallmarq.
In his spare time, Shawn tries to keep up with his wife and three children while staying active in church. He is also an avid football fan of the Michigan Wolverines, his alma mater.
Sara Horner
Executive Assistant to CEO
Sara joined Hallmarq in March 2013 with a background firmly rooted in sales, marketing and customer service. She works alongside Jos, Hallmarq’s CEO, and in addition also supports the Board of Directors and Executive Team in an administrative capacity. Currently studying for a BA(Hons) in English Language and Literature, she also works closely with Hallmarq’s Marketing Team on marketing collateral and editorial.
Happiest when out on a bike, most of her spare time is taken up with cycling or hiking alongside yoga, theatre, reading and cookery.
Loren Bailey
Operations Co-ordinator
Loren joined Hallmarq in 2014 and has responsibility for procurement, stock control and logistics. Key to her success are her organisational skills which come to the fore when project managing new Hallmarq installations worldwide.
In her spare time, Loren cares for and exercises her OTTB horse KiaOra, competing in dressage competitions and taking part in RoR events.
Jennifer Hussey
Marketing & Design Executive
With a BA(Hons) in Graphic Design from Falmouth University, and a background in exhibition management, Jen joined Hallmarq in October 2014 bringing a unique perspective to the team. Her design and production experience comes to the fore when producing marketing collateral. She is key in driving awareness and engagement through social media platforms alongside overseeing corporate identity and brand consistency for the organisation.
In her spare time, Jen enjoys live music events, particularly Country & Western, yoga, hiking and horse riding.
Rachel Prior
Marketing Assistant
Rachel joined Hallmarq in March 2019. Having graduated Bournemouth University with a BA (Hons) in Events and Leisure Marketing in 2018, she’s new to the industry and keen to make her mark. In her spare time, animal lover Rachel can be seen in various vegan restaurants, forcing herself out on a Sunday morning run, tucking into a large popcorn at the Cinema and trying to teach her Lionhead rabbit Nala to not chew the carpet!
Peter Fredericks
Chief Financial Officer
Peter is a Chartered Accountant by training but moved into industry as soon as he qualified. He spent ten years with blue chip PLC's Meggitt and then Siebe, followed by twenty years running Private Equity backed companies. An M&A role at Meggitt proved the inspiration for his PE career whilst he also spent time living and working in North America. The past 17 years have included restructuring, acquisitions, refinancing, secondary MBO's and exits predominately in technology and manufacturing.
Outside of the office he's a keen cyclist and golfer, loves music and attends as many gigs as he can fit in.
Michele Hoskins
Financial Controller
After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, Michele trained as an accountant with a medium sized firm where she specialised in SMEs. She joined Hallmarq in 2011 as Financial Controller for the group of companies and enjoys the challenge of providing accurate financial information across all our territories and product lines.
In her spare time, Michele loves the theatre and concerts, arts and crafts and baking cakes, some of which make their way into the office much to the delight of the team!
Laurie Kulcher
Finance Assistant
Laurie is an AAT qualified Accounting Technician who came to Hallmarq in December 2015 with over 20 years' of experience in accounts. As part of our small but effective Finance Team, she is responsible for a wide variety of bookkeeping and accounting tasks.
In her spare time Laurie enjoys reading, baking and writing doggerel poetry much of which keeps us amused when expense claims are overdue!
Kathy Otto
Finance and Administration Assistant - North America
Kathy joined Hallmarq in May 2015 to help establish the Finance Department for our US entity. Prior to having her two daughters, she worked full time in Construction Management as an Assistant Project Manager and Office Manager; both major roles supporting the President and Vice President. She was also instrumental in setting up the Finance/HR Department for a Netherlands-based software company. She now supports Hallmarq’s CFO and Financial Controller in the UK, as well as the supporting our US team.
In her spare time, she teaches and practices yoga and is a self-confessed foodie. She also enjoys long trail walks with her Bernese Mountain dog, Bentley.
Snezhana Chater
Customer Support Manager
Snezhana is the voice of Hallmarq’s customers! Snezhana studied Physics and IT for 5 years at Odessa University, Ukraine and recently completed her second postgrad, MBA. She graduated with a BSc in Physics and Information technologies, and also holds a teaching qualification along with a PGCE in Science from Portsmouth University. Snezhana joined the Hallmarq team in 2012, after previously working as a Physics and Science Teacher, Branch Manager at an oil company and as an Export Manager.
Her non-work passions include classical music, leadership development and reading. In addition, she has quite a menagerie of pets including Mochi the house rabbit, three degus and two cats.
Elodie Barry
Senior Applications Scientist
Elodie joined Hallmarq in April 2014 having studied Biomedical Engineering at The University of Strasbourg prior to that. She joined Hallmarq’s Customer Support Team after working on MRI optimisation in Lille, France and prior to that on CT and image segmentation in Houston, Texas. She has lived and studied in some of the most beautiful parts of France, including some time spent in the Alps with a view of Mont Blanc outside the classroom window.
In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, dancing, singing, good food and fun times with friends.
Leonardo Fiuza
Applications Scientist
Leonardo was born and raised in Salvador, Brazil where he also completed his undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Fascinated by different cultures and languages, he lived in Canada before moving to the UK in 2017. He graduated with a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from UCL before joining Hallmarq in September 2018 as part of the Support Team. He assists our customers whenever they need help or guidance with our systems and, with a a keen engineer’s eye, also works alongside the Manufacturing and Installations Team if and when needed.
He enjoys all things electronic, from computers to video-games and loves going to indie rock gigs. Back home in Brazil he has a lovely Shih-Tzu called Nina.
Sam Conibear
Applications Scientist
Sam Joined Hallmarq in October 2018 as an Applications Scientist with the Customer Support Team. He graduated from Southampton University with a degree in Physics and went on to work as a Refrigeration Engineer focusing on ventilation and cooling systems. Fascinated by all things technical, he supports our system operators remotely in addition to assisting the Manufacturing Team with system hardware.
When not at work, Sam enjoys Formula One and football and possesses a keen interest in engineering including working on renovating his own car and others.
Dan Mountifield
Applications Scientist (Training)
Dan graduated from University with a Biomedical Science degree and went on to work in practice as a vet nurse for a short period before becoming Technical Services Manager for Vetlab Supplies Ltd, and then Product Manager for Synermed Europe Ltd. Dan joined Hallmarq in 2006 as an MRI Applications Scientist in a Customer Training and Support role which includes extensive travel to Hallmarq's sites worldwide.
Dan is a horse owner and rides and works his two Shires in his spare time.
Suzanne Reese-Burwell
Equine Training and Support - North America
Suzanne graduated in 2010 as a certified Veterinary Technician where she was also Vice President of her class. She has 8 years' of clinical experience working as an equine technician, as well as 3 years' of experience as an MRI operator. Suzanne joined Hallmarq in 2017 in the role of Customer Training and Support specifically for our equine sites.
When not working, she enjoys hunting and fishing with her husband, as well as going to the lakes and spending time with her dog, Lucy Lou. Suzanne also enjoys riding horses, especially cutting horses.
Isabel Joharijan
Applications Scientist - North America
Isabel is a licensed technologist specializing in Radiography and MRI, and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in both modalities. She graduated with a degree in Radiography in 1999. After working in both a hospital environment and outpatient facility, she combined her love of animals and passion for MRI to scan companion animals including penguins, snakes and parrots! Prior to joining Hallmarq in 2014, Isabel worked as a Chief MRI Technologist which included training, MRI equipment maintenance, and scanning.
In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling the world with her family and attending Broadway musicals.
Cathy Wenzel
Applications Scientist - North America
Cathy has extensive experience in both MRI and CT and joined the Hallmarq team in November 2018 in Customer Training and Support. For the last 15 years, she has held various roles in both leadership and as a technologist for both modalities. Cathy has a BA in Health Care Management, an MBA, and professional certifications related to the medical industry. Before working in medical, she spent 5 years in the United States Air Force working with aircraft.
Olga Palmer
Sales and Applications Specialist (Small Animal)
Olga joined Hallmarq in January 2019 as Sales and Applications Specialist for PetVet and CT to deliver training and improve best practice, customer support, on-site applications, technical support, and sales leads generation. An HCPC registered Diagnostic Radiographer, Olga graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Management and a Foundation Diploma in Marketing. She has several years’ experience in IT training and management and has worked as an IT Specialist and Project Manager. Recent experience includes Clinical Diagnostic imaging for NHS Trusts and private companies.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, Ultimate Frisbee, volunteering for local charities and helping others troubleshoot IT problems.
Graham Frost
Chief Hardware Engineer
Graham has led Hallmarq’s hardware development activities since 2002. He has over 25 years' experience developing hardware for MRI systems, a PhD in Computer Science, a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering and a first-class honours degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
In his spare time, Graham supports his local Youth Theatre designing and constructing sets, and had his directorial debut in September 2017. He also sings in the Wessex Cantorum choir.
Graham Nayler
Chief Software Engineer
Graham graduated from Oxford with a degree in Chemistry, and then earned a PhD in NMR Technique development from the University of Manchester. He has worked in MRI from its early days, initially as a Development Physicist with GEC's Medical division (Picker International), before moving full-time into software development. He has taken the lead in the Hallmarq software design and development since its inception.
When not absorbed in MRI software, Graham is a keen skier and gardener.
Russ Knottley
Surveyor and Site Planner
Having previously worked in Architectural Departments for National Westminster Bank, London Guildhall and private practice, Russ bought his expertise to Hallmarq in September 2006. His role includes site planning for PetVet, Equine and CT installations worldwide and he enjoys helping clients to achieve their design and install expectations. Russ is also responsible for Health and Safety working cross-company with all our teams.
When not at work he coaches swimming for fitness to competitive groups, helping them to improve their technique and achieve their goals. He also enjoys classical music and open air concerts.
Fred Perkins
Service & Support Engineer - North America
Fred has been with Hallmarq since October 2003 and has a Diploma in Electronics Engineering and studied Infomation Systems Management at Ryerson University. Fred previously worked with Celestica as a Failure Analysis Technician
Anthony Nichols
Service Engineer - North America
Based out of New Jersey, Anthony's career with Hallmarq commenced in October 2018. As an MRI Support Engineer, Anthony has years' of experience working with medical imaging technologies and is certified on Siemens MRI systems. He studied at Central State University and spent the previous 5 years in the Marine Corps as an Aircraft Electronics Maintenance Technician.
Kevin Martin
Service Engineer - North America
Kevin studied IT and basic programming and logic at Devry University and joined Hallmarq in August 2018 to install and support both PetVet and Equine products. He has extensive experience in both conventional and digital medical device imaging solutions. For the past 12 years, he has held various roles related to production, technical support, training, logistics, and management ending his tenure leading the North American operations for the medical device manufacturer Planmed for the last three years. He also holds many professional certifications in software and healthcare technologies.
The Manufacturing and Installations Team
Responsible for the manufacturing, installation and service of all our systems, the team have 26 years of combined Hallmarq experience between them. Previous roles are many and diverse and include: precision engineering, furniture design, period restorations, developments and refurbishments, CCTV and microwave detection. In 2004 a typical Standing Equine installation could take up to three weeks and involve several members of staff from across the company. Almost two decades later this exacting work takes just five days with two multi-skilled engineers; testament to the expertise of a team dedicated to perfecting their work.
Not all of the team find it easy to walk away from engineering when they leave the day job! Renovating a Triumph Sprint ST 1050 or a Landrover Defender are particular passions along with live music, good food and mountain biking.
NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS AND OBSERVERS
Iain Ferguson
Chairman
Iain combines an original science and research background with success in new product commercialization. He has substantial listed company leadership experience, an interest in new technology venture businesses and has a broad Chair and Non-Executive background, including FTSE 100 & FTSE 250 companies. Iain spent over 25 years' at Unilever and his roles included Vice President Corporate Development and Founder Chairman of Unilever Ventures. He was CEO of Tate & Lyle plc from 2003-2009 where he transformed a bulk sugar business into a global provider of speciality ingredients to the food and beverage industries. He is currently Chairman of the Stobart Group and a NED on the boards of Balfour Beatty plc and Personal Assets Trust plc. He was also the lead Non-Executive Director for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) from 2010 -2015, and now chairs the Food and Drink Sector Council where he has significant involvement with the Government in establishing the departmental strategy.
Douglas Hutchison
Non-Executive Director
Douglas qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1980, After three years in general practice, he moved into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries within increasing leadership roles, ultimately as CEO of a Cambridge based biotechnology company. In 1990, he founded Veterinary Business Development which grew to be one of the largest communications companies in the veterinary sector worldwide, publishing market-leading titles such as Veterinary Times and The Veterinary Business Journal. In 2000 this was successfully sold to the global corporation Wolters Kluwer. Since then, he has invested in a number of early-stage companies in a variety of sectors and acts as a non-executive director in some. He is Chairman of BioMedical Business Partners, Biogelx, and Virtual Recall. He is a former director of the British Veterinary Association; and former trustee of VETAID. He was recruited as a Partner in the global executive search firm, Odgers Berndtson, in 2005.