Christopher von Jako, PhD
June 23, 2023 — Polarean Imaging plc, a medical imaging company, announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Christopher von Jako, Ph.D. as Chief Executive Officer and director of the company, effective immediately. Dr. von Jako succeeds Richard Hullihen, who will be retiring and will be stepping down as a Director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Hullihen will assist the Company in a transitional position for the next six months.
Since his appointment as CEO in 2017, Richard has overseen significant progress for Polarean. He led the Company through its successful IPO in 2018 and over $60M of capital raises culminating in Polarean receiving FDA approval for XENOVIEW (Xenon Xe129 hyperpolarized) for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, and the initiation of the Company’s commercial phase.
With 30 years of global healthcare leadership experience, Dr. von Jako has led both private and publicly listed businesses, with a proven track record of commercialization while developing and executing sound business and operaKng strategies. He has experience across a multitude of healthcare sectors, including radiology, pulmonology, and various surgical interventions.
In his most recent executive position, Dr. von Jako served as President and CEO of BrainsWay from 2020 to 2023. BrainsWay, is a global leader in advanced non-invasive neurostimulation treatments for mental health disorders. At BrainsWay, he launched five key differentiated products, obtained numerous reimbursement coverages, and executed an equity investment with a follow-on raise of over $45m, comprised of top-Ker US MedTech investors.
Prior to this, Dr. von Jako was CEO of Dynatronics, a medical device company providing restorative products to accelerate optimal health, from 2018 to 2019, where he developed a new growth strategy focused on driving sales, business development, and proactive investor relations. Before joining Dynatronics, Dr. von Jako served as President and CEO of NinePoint Medical, Inc., a medical imaging company, where he successfully secured a significant strategic investment and long-term partnership with Merit Medical Systems, Inc. He also served as President and CEO of NeuroTherm, Inc., a pain management business until its acquisition by St. Jude Medical Corporation. Earlier in his career, Dr. von Jako worked in senior executive roles of progressive responsibility with other leading medical device companies such as Integra LifeSciences, Covidien, Medtronic, and Radionics.
Dr. von Jako will continue to serve as an Independent Director on the Board of nView medical Inc., a privately held MedTech imaging company that generates real-Kme 3D images using advanced AI solutions for surgery. He earned a double B.S. degree from Bates College, an M.S. degree from the Massachusets Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Pécs Medical School.
Kenneth West, Chairman of Polarean, said: “Richard has played a pivotal role in getting Polarean to the position it is in today, with XENOVIEW approved for use by the FDA with MRI for the evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, and our commercialization plan underway. On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Richard for his contribution to the business and we wish him well in his retirement.
“I would also like to welcome Chris to Polarean. His extensive experience in leading commercial-stage MedTech companies, and his training and expertise in radiology will be an excellent fit for Polarean as we con5nue our dual strategy of achieving commercial sales of XENOVIEW and establishing strategic industry collaborations to accelerate growth in the US and internationally.”
Dr. Christopher von Jako said: “I am delighted to be joining Polarean at this exciting stage of the Company’s development. I believe that our current and future advanced imaging platform will make a big difference to clinicians in helping manage their pa5ents’ lung conditions, and I look forward to working with the team to roll XENOVIEW out as widely as possible.”
Richard Hullihen, outgoing Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved at Polarean since I was appointed in 2017. The Company is firmly on the path to success, and as a long-term shareholder, I look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”
May 03, 2024 
