Dr John Havard, Chairman & Founder
In a nutshell; I lead a Suffolk GP practice and have had a career long interest in medical innovations
Why 'FLUME'? When I broke my ankle I found myself incapacitated for some time. I asked our Community Nurses what would make the biggest difference to their patients and their working lives - they said unanimously.."Do something about the Foley Cather!"
Professional; Graduated from the Royal Free Hospital. A GP for over 30 years in a semi-rural practice in Saxmundham - 25 miles from the nearest A&E department and hence managing a broad range of primary care issues including catheter blockages. A career long interest in initiating medical innovations for patient benefit; from a mobile glaucoma unit to serve East Suffolk to a Community Based Community Psychiatric Nursing initiative. Recognised for national awards by the Health Service Journal and the NHS Alliance. Selected as one of the UK Top 50 Innovators by the HSJ.
Personal interests; While innovation has been all consuming, I also, paradoxically, have a passion for renovating old cars and our Suffolk farmhouse
Roger Holmes, Co-Founder & Chief Executive
In a nutshell; Former CEO of M&S, engineer, accountant and private equity partner
Why 'FLUME'? I have been fortunate to run major companies and invest in mid sized growth businesses, but when John approached me with with his idea for FLUME, it was an irresistible chance to work together on creating a company from scratch; one with a huge potential to impact beneficially the lives of millions of patients as well as hard pressed healthcare finances.
Professional; Partner at Change Capital Partners LLP since 2005, investing €500m and working closely with high growth consumer businesses across Europe. Former CEO of Marks & Spencer. Previous roles included being Chief Executive of Kingfisher’s electrical sector as well as a main Board Director; three years as Finance Director of B&Q; and Managing Director of Woolworths. Earlier in his career Roger spent seven years as a strategy consultant for McKinsey & Co, latterly as Principal specialising in retail and consumer goods having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Bristol, Roger is a former Pro Chancellor of the University and Chair of the Centenary Campaign Board.
Personal interests; Lots that seem to involve water in some way...Generating power from the mini hydroelectric scheme we installed in an old mill race at home, standing in rivers hoping to catch fish but mostly enjoying the scenery and sailing, ideally in Cornwall with family and friends, but occasionally somewhere warmer...
Pam Newcome, VP Marketing
In a nutshell? Experienced marketing executive with a passion for bringing innovative products to market.
Why FLUME? As a consultant to the FLUME Catheter Company, I was struck by both the enormity of the need for an improved indwelling catheter and the FLUME catheter’s unique ability to address that need. A hundred million patients are suffering needlessly, and healthcare systems are spending billions in avoidable costs. I felt compelled to return to industry, and I am delighted to officially join Roger and John to bring this promising new product to patients.
Professional: I’ve spent the bulk of my career in Corporate America with 3M, Boston Scientific and American Medical Systems, earning leadership positions of increasing scope and responsibility. My corporate background spans the personal care, surgical, interventional cardiology and urology markets, in which I’ve successfully led multiple product launches, reinvigorated mature businesses to achieve new growth, and most everything in between. Most recently, I’ve leveraged those experiences as a management consultant to help my clients strategically and profitably grow their businesses. While I’m well-versed in all aspects of marketing, I am most inspired by the product commercialization process. I look forward to being an integral part of that effort for the FLUME catheter.
Personal: I enjoy swimming and boating during our short but spectacular MN summers, entertaining family and friends, and taking long walks with our unruly but loveable golden lab. As someone who has benefitted from amazing mentors throughout my career, I also devote personal time to mentoring, both with college students and professionally business-to-business.
Kristian Olsen, VP Engineering
In a nutshell; Medical Device Engineer, Project Manager
Why 'FLUME'? The Flume Catheter is the most exciting catheter I have ever worked on given it’s potential to benefit such a large patient population. Improving the lives of patients through the medical devices I am involved in developing is what drives me.
Professional; Former roles; Design Development Engineer 14 years at Clinical Innovations developing and manufacturing devices for labor & delivery as well as Urology. Sr. Project Manager Biomerics 8 years design developing catheters for the oncology, neurology, and urology markets.
Personal interests; Problem solving, quality systems (accidents and preventative action), auto mechanics, travel (mostly to warm and delicious places), paddleboarding, hiking the mountains of the Utah Wasatch Front.