Our Team

From our board of directors to the support people who keep our business ticking, every member of the Anagenix team has a passion for the convergence of plant and health science

MEET OUR BOARD

Chris Johnson | Executive Director

A founding Anagenix director, Chris is an experienced investor and business advisor who understands the path to success in the nutraceutical ingredients market. Before joining Anagenix, he assisted a number of New Zealand businesses to successfully export premium gourmet foods to the USA and UK. He also founded and grew a New Zealand tech company to become a global leader in the printing and graphic arts industry.

Paul Morgan | Non-Executive Director

Paul is the Wakatū Chair and has been a Board member since 1986. Paul holds a number of commercial directorships and has also been a member of various Government appointed advisory groups and industry initiative groups. Paul is a member of the Audit & Risk and HR Committees and is Chair of the Kono Board. Paul is of Ngāti Rārua and Te Māhurehure descent.

Edward Lee | Non-Executive Director

Edward Lee graduated from Lanzhou University with a BS degree in mathematics. He then completed a master’s degree program at China University of Science and Technology. He was hired by Tsinghua University after graduating.

He received his Ph.D from the University of Florida and then accepted an assistant professorship at the National University of Singapore.

During his academic years, he published eight academic research papers in international academic journals, which have been cited hundreds of times.

Edward currently manages two companies, is a director of several companies and has invested in more than a dozen companies in areas such as health food, pharmaceutical devices, biotechnology, Internet of Things, blockchain and AI technology.

AIDP, founded by him in 1996, is a leader in dietary supplement ingredients promotion and marketing with multiple patents. AIDP has invested heavily in clinical research, and at the same time collaborated with more than a dozen universities, research institutions and technology companies.

Alexandra Heaven | Board Advisor – Sustainability

Alexandra is a global sustainability expert and Head of ESG at JCDecaux Australia & New Zealand. Previously she led global sustainability teams for Danone in Paris, including B Corp and ESG. Alexandra is experienced in sustainability governance, strategy and global regulation and has a background in political science, corporate affairs and social enterprise.

MEET OUR TEAM

Chris Johnson | Executive Director

Jane Calvert | Legal Officer

Jane is responsible for the legal and intellectual property activities of Anagenix. She is a registered New Zealand and Australian patent attorney and lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience in intellectual property and related legal matters. Jane also has a PhD in organic chemistry.

Rochelle Morgan | Chief Financial Officer

Having graduated with degrees in commerce and law, Rochelle began her career in NZ before moving to the UK where she gained considerable experience in a number of different organisations. On returning to NZ, Rochelle has held senior roles in global manufacturing and technology businesses.

Elizabeth Tay | Science and Marketing Director

Elizabeth has an incisive marketing brain that is tuned to connecting New Zealand natural ingredients to the specific needs of global consumers. She has a proven record of delivering results across the different geographies and cultures of Asia, including Thailand, China, India and the Mekong. In recent years, Elizabeth has developed a passion for health and wellness and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition with Hawthorn University.

Arjan Scheepens | Neuroscientist

Arjan graduated from the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1999 with a PhD in perinatal medical neuroscience and a strong interest in the repair processes that the brain utilises following injury and the role of postnatal neurogenesis in the lifelong adaptation of the brain. After completing postdoctoral fellowships in The Netherlands and in Auckland, Arjan took up a permanent role at the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research (PFR) as a senior scientist, where he ran a small team of researchers investigating the human bioactivity and bioavailability of phytochemicals, with the aim of designing foods with a beneficial action on human mental health and functioning.

Emma Graham | Product Champion – Actazin®/Livaux®

Emma helps Anagenix to translate proven science into consumer benefits, which assists us to identify market opportunities and develop brands for our functional food ingredients. She has seven years commercial lab experience, working in the field of food and environmental forensics and trace environmental chemistry. Emma holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Auckland.

Starin Mckeen | Product Champion – BerriQi®/Feiolix®

Starin connects our products to the biomedical science behind their benefits. She has 10 years of experience working at the intersection of food and health around the globe, specialising in clinical nutrition trials of products that support health by way of the gut microbiome. She is finishing a PhD with the Riddet Institute and AgResearch at Massey University under the High Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, holds a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from Colorado State University, and Bachelors in MCD Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Aahana Shrestha | Clinical Studies Coordinator

Aahana holds PhD in health science from the Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, and Masters in Applied Biotechnology from Uppsala University, Sweden. She has 8 years’ of research experience in nutritional studies for improving human health and well-being; and over 3 years’ experience in clinical trial management.

Samantha Ford | Business Development Director (Americas)

Samantha has extensive experience in business development, product management and technical R&D in the nutraceutical industry. Over the years, Samantha has served as industry expert speaker as well as contributed to numerous publications on topics related to functional ingredients. Samantha received her undergraduate degree in Dietetics from Purdue University and a Master’s in Applied Nutrition from Northeastern University.

Andrew Ball | Plant Engineer

Andrew is a Plant Engineer with 36 years in the engineering field, 26 of those years in the food industry, FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods). He is a Dual Trade Engineer (both Mechanical and Electrical) and passionate about all aspects of engineering. Andrew is also a registered electrical service technician, X-ray technician, Certified Infrared thermographer, and Hazardous substance handler.

Ishraaz Ali | Production Manager

Ishraaz has been in the food manufacturing industry for the past 10 years and has extensive experience and knowledge of the freeze-drying process. Ishraaz worked for Vitaco Health for several years prior to joining Anagenix in 2020. He also holds a National Trade Certificate in the Hospitality Industry – Supervisor level from Fiji National University (FNU).

Iman Shirangi | Marketing Specialist

Iman is a seasoned Marketing Specialist with 10+ years of experience in B2C and B2B sectors. Specializing in strategic marketing plans, digital campaigns, and social media strategies, he has excelled across diverse industries including finance, eco-tourism, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. With strengths in market research, brand management, and client relationships, Iman delivers exceptional results. Skilled in problem-solving, data analysis, and campaign optimization, He fosters strong team collaboration and is committed to continuous learning for marketing excellence.