Meet our Team
Our people do meaningful work with a clear purpose: to improve lives.
Our Team
We are a highly collaborative team of scientists, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, all united by our mission to save the environment and revolutionise the industry of biotechnology.
David McElroy
Chief Executive Officer
David is experienced in biotech startups (mostly in the USA) with roles from research scientist to CEO. He is excited by the ability to make plant-based products that help improve people's lives and make the environment more sustainable. David is proud of his origins, hailing from “sun-kissed Portobello”. He is a lifelong supporter of Hibernian FC and once played second division football in Australia.
David McElroy
Chris Meaney
Chief Business Officer
Chris has spent his career working with natural products in both start-up and larger organisations. Chris is a big sports fan with football being his passion. He is an avid supporter of Tranmere Rovers and coaches both his children’s junior teams. Aside from sport Chris loves to travel (handy in his role) and spend time socialising with family and friends.
Chris Meaney
Bobby Bringi
Andy Hall-Ponselè
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr Andy Hall-Ponselè is driven by the potential for Green Bioactives to revolutionalise sustainable natural ingredients. Andy has a background in plant metabolic engineering and experience in founding and growing a successful biosciences company. In his spare time, he enjoys music, especially alternative rock and metal.
Andy Hall-Ponselè
Samuel Casasola-Zamora
Production Lead
Samuel has been with Green Bioactives from the beginning and is proud of the company’s achievements from developing flasks in the lab, to becoming a leader in plant Biotechnology. Samuel is fascinated by how plants' immune system work, allowing them to thrive despite being constantly threatened by many microbes and insects. Out of work he enjoys playing tennis, cooking and listening to jazz.
Samuel Casasola-Zamora
Yuan Li
Research Lead
Green Bioactives’ research lead, Yuan has a decade's experience in plant cell culture and metabolism engineering. Yuan is committed to harnessing plant cell culture technology to produce sustainably plant-derived molecules. Yuan is inspired by the collective work of Green Bioactives, and plays a key part in translating goals into tangible solutions for the betterment of lives globally.
Yuan Li
Sasi Hetti Arachchige
Research Associate - Plant Tissue Culture
Sasi specialises in botany, with a keen understanding of plant tissue culture techniques and has a passion for unlocking the potential benefits of botanical solutions. Sasi is a dedicated phytophile who is motivated by unravelling the wonders of the plant world through biotechnology.
Sasi Hetti Arachchige
Michela Bernini
Scientist I - Laboratory Manager
Michela is a plant biotechnologist who excels in grapevine molecular biology and micropropagation. Michela is passionate about Green Bioactives’ solid values and ethical points and thrilled to be a part of the team that will realise Green Bioactives’ goals. Michaela is a proud Italian and is a dedicated Hellas Verona supporter.
Michela Bernini
Beimi Cui
Scientist II - Molecular Biologist
Beimi joined Green Bioactives as a research scientist after 10 years of study and work at The University of Edinburgh. Through his experience in plant genetic biology & synthetic biology, Beimi has published more than 10 research papers in leading journals, such as Nature Communications, Plant Cell, New Phytologist.
Beimi Cui
Jess Atkinson
Research Associate - Production
A recent graduate from the University of Aberdeen, Jess holds a master’s degree in Microbiology. During that time Jessica completed a year long placement at IBioIC's bioprocessing facility. A very passionate microbiologist, who is excited to work with plant vascular stem cells GBL. In her free time Jess enjoys yoga, swimming, reading and travelling.
Jess Atkinson
Emily Naray
Research Associate - Production
Emily holds a MSci Biomedical Sciences (Molecular Biology) degree and has experience with a work placement at IBioIC where she worked on scaling up the bioprocesses of multiple companies. Green Bioactives’ fast progress in an exciting niche is what excites her about her role in production. Emily enjoys playing musical instruments, ballet and running.
Emily Naray
Lorna Kennedy
Senior Scientist II - Analytical Chemistry
Lorna comes from a background of academia, small CROs and start-ups. She has a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and experience with process development and various analytical techniques. Lorna is excited to use her analytical skills to assist Green Bioactives in developing their pioneering methodologies. Lorna’s interests include running, rugby and animals. She is an accredited dog trainer and competes in agility with her Hungarian Vizsla, Drico.
Lorna Kennedy
Nataliia Spencer
Laboratory Assistant
Nataliia brings experience in medical biomanufacturing and cosmetics to Green Bioactives. She values the company’s dedication to helping people and promoting sustainability. Outside of work, Nataliia enjoys baking, exploring nature, reading non-fiction, and staying updated on scientific advancements.
Nataliia Spencer
Rhiannon Munro
Research Assistant ‑ Analytical Chemistry
Rhiannon has built her expertise in the field of analytical chemistry, with experience in both developing and applying quantitative analytical methods for the extraction and analysis of agrochemical residues in various crop and soil matrices. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Forensics and Analytical Sciences. Rhiannon is passionate about running and hiking, and she loves exploring new countries and cultures.
Rhiannon Munro
Jake Callaghan
Laboratory Assistant
Jake has a degree in Biology from the University of Bath and experience working in both a large agritech company and a small biotech startup, where he developed his skills and passion for the field. Originally from Reading, Jake enjoys immersing himself in music, particularly live performances. When he’s not in the lab, he likes to relax with a good book or by taking a stroll outdoors.
Jake Callaghan
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together scientific, academic and strategic management experts to support our purpose and commitment to improving lives.
Thomas Nagy
Chair of the Board
Thomas, is a seasoned executive with broad experience within industrial biotechnology. He has lived in three continents, working with biotech companies ranging from start-ups (incubator environments and companies) to large-scale corporations. As an investor, chairman or advisor he is passionate about start-ups, innovation and enjoys working with teams aiming to make a more sustainable world. In his spare time, he enjoys football, his convertible and good wine….one at a time.
Thomas Nagy
David McElroy (PhD)
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director
David is experienced in biotech startups with roles from research scientist to CEO. He is excited by the ability to make plant-based products that help improve people's lives and make the environment more sustainable. David is proud of his origins, hailing from “sun-kissed Portobello”. He is a lifelong supporter of Hibernian FC and once played second division football in Australia.
David McElroy (PhD)
Andrew Durkie
Non-Executive Investor Director
Andrew is a Partner in Eos Advisory LLP, an investor in innovative early-stage science, engineering and technology businesses. Andrew is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of transaction experience. He was a corporate finance advisor with Andersen and Deloitte and Head of Group M&A at HBOS. He held senior Finance, Corporate Development and Commercial roles within the Insurance & Wealth business of Lloyds Banking Group and has supported a number of early-stage businesses.
Andrew Durkie
Our Founder
Our late founder, Professor Gary Loake, formed Green Bioactives (GBL) with a vision to revolutionise sustainable plant-based solutions. As a professor at the University of Edinburgh, his commitment to addressing the challenges in sourcing natural plant products economically and sustainably shaped our mission.
Gary's journey with GBL began during his tenure at the Institute for Molecular Plant Sciences and the Centre for Engineering Biology at the University of Edinburgh. Recognising the need for a more efficient approach, he founded GBL in 2019, aiming to revolutionise the way natural ingredients are sourced through innovative plant cell culture technology.
Originally from the West Midlands, Gary had been based in Edinburgh for over 28 years, where he made significant contributions to plant sciences. His legacy extends beyond his professional achievements, as his warmth, kindness, and optimism touched the lives of all who knew him.
Inspired by Gary's vision, we are dedicated to honouring his commitment to excellence and sustainability. At Green Bioactives, we strive to fulfil his dream of becoming a global leader in plant cell culture-derived natural products, guided by his enduring spirit of innovation.
Meet us at events!
Green Bioactives attends and presents at many events each year. We look forward to seeing you at some!
Become a part of our sustainable future
We will soon have open roles available at Green Bioactives Ltd. In the meantime, please send your CV to HR@greenbioactives.com and we will be in touch if we are the right fit.
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