RenovaCare Recruits Biotech Executive for CFO Role

RenovaCare Inc., developer of patented technologies for spraying self-donated stem cells for the regeneration of skin and other organs and tissues, has appointed a new chief financial officer (CFO) and board secretary, Robert W. Cook, who has more than 20 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, and in the finance sector alone has completed more than $10 billion in transactions.
 
“Cook’s appointment marks the most recent addition in the accelerated build-out of our executive management team for bringing RenovaCare regenerative cell spray therapies to market,” stated Alan L. Rubino, CEO and president. “Bob brings extensive experience in leading top-tier financial transactions with innovative medical technologies, products, and therapies. I look forward to leveraging his industry-specific expertise, valuable to our planned business progression, including fund raising, partnerships, collaborations, financial compliance, and interfacing with our regulatory and clinical teams.”
 
Prior to his appointment as RenovaCare CFO, Cook served as CFO of CorMedix Inc., and previously at BioBlast Pharma Ltd., and Strata Skin Sciences. His executive roles at Immune Pharmaceuticals and EpiCept Corporation, included interim president, CFO, and appointments to the Board of Directors. Previously he served as CFO of Pharmos Corporation raising more than $100 million in public financing to support R&D, where he negotiated and closed the sale of its ophthalmic business to Bausch & Lomb, advised by J.P. Morgan.
 
“RenovaCare has a robust technology portfolio, accomplished leadership team, and ample cash to accelerate its regenerative therapy program. I look forward to building shareholder value as we position the company for future commercial collaborations, financings, and regulatory initiatives,” emphasized Cook.
 
Cook began his career in financial services at Chase Manhattan, was appointed vice president in the Healthcare Group at General Electric Capital Commercial Finance and graduated American University magna cum laude.
 
Cook’s appointment marks the latest addition to the company’s management team and follows the recent appointment of its chief medical officer Dr. Jo Ellen Schweinle, former senior medical officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and chief scientific officer, Dr. Robin A. Robinson, former director of BARDA and deputy assistant secretary, HHS. To support Drs. Robinson and Schweinle, the company has engaged MCRA, a leading U.S. regulatory group, under the guidance of Glenn Stiegman, former U.S. Food and Drug Administration branch chief.
 
“On behalf of the entire RenovaCare organization, we acknowledge and thank Mr. Steve Yan-Klassen, the outgoing CFO, for his contributions in helping to bring the company through its early growth stages. We wish him well as he transitions to pursue other opportunities,” concluded Rubino.
 
RenovaCare products are currently in development. They are not available for sale in the United States.