Board of Directors
Melissa Cruz
CEO
Melissa as part of her CEO function helps global clients create marketplace value from university-developed IP. With a background in marketing and sales, Melissa collaborates with a diverse set of organizations in the United States, China, Europe, and Latin America to facilitate technology transfers between developed and developing countries. Melissa received her B.A. in International Business and an M.S. in Marketing from Florida International University.
Kevin Fitzpatrick
CFO
Kevin is a CFO/Finance Director with over 20 years’ experience in SME and entrepreneurial businesses across various sectors and industries including Tech, SaaS, Media, and Retail. He has held numerous board positions with both quoted public and private businesses with full executive responsibility for finance, legal and corporate finance. He graduated from University College Dublin with a BA(Hons) in Economics and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte.
Lord David Willetts
Non-Executive Chairman
The Rt Hon Lord Willetts FRS is Chairman of the U.K. Space Agency, President of the Resolution Foundation and former U.K. Minister for Universities and Science. He served as the Member of Parliament for Havant (1992-2015), and previously worked at HM Treasury and the No. 10 Policy Unit. Lord Willetts is also a visiting Professor at King’s College London, former Chair of the British Science Association and a member of the Council of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Lord Willetts is a graduate of Oxford University.
Professor David Gann CBE
Independent Non-Executive Director
Professor David Gann CBE is a business leader, chairperson, former University leader, and non-executive director with a reputation for creating and supporting innovation and growth, and mentoring science-based start-ups. He is a leader in the development of fusion energy, as Chair of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, and previously Chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. He is a non-executive director of VenCap International plc, a leading venture fund-of-funds. David is an entrepreneur, having formed several companies, mentors start-ups, and advises Boards. He has been non-executive director of Directa Plus plc, currently on the Advisory Board of Euroclear and was Group Innovation Executive at Laing O’Rourke plc.
Management Team
Melissa Cruz
CEO
Melissa as part of her CEO function helps global clients create marketplace value from university-developed IP. With a background in marketing and sales, Melissa collaborates with a diverse set of organizations in the United States, China, Europe, and Latin America to facilitate technology transfers between developed and developing countries. Melissa received her B.A. in International Business and an M.S. in Marketing from Florida International University.
Selwyn Lloyd
CTO
Selwyn has 20+ years entrepreneurial/technology experience in software apps, data, telecoms, publishing and branded goods industries. He has been founder or co-founder of numerous technology companies and led software technology teams for the past 13 years. His clients have included the UK’s largest mobile phone operators, ISP’s, Universities and Colleges. Selwyn has developed our Innovation Discovery Network which effectively links together the IP output of 4,000 research universities for the first time. Selwyn holds a BA (Hons) from Loughborough University and an MBA from the University of Oxford.
Ana Orti
Manager of Global Client Engagements
Ana has worked for international businesses all over the world including United States, Latin American, & Hong Kong. She helps the Business Development team to create market value for University Intellectual Property (UIP) in the United States and Europe. She believes that building positive client relationships and exploring potential business opportunities are two crucial components to a successful business. Ana has a dual degree in Marking and International business. She received her BBA from Florida International University and her MBA from EAE School in Barcelona.
Kevin Fitzpatrick
CFO
Kevin is a CFO/Finance Director with over 20 years’ experience in SME and entrepreneurial businesses across various sectors and industries including Tech, SaaS, Media, and Retail. He has held numerous board positions with both quoted public and private businesses with full executive responsibility for finance, legal and corporate finance. He graduated from University College Dublin with a BA(Hons) in Economics and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte.
Celia Aguirre
Sales and Marketing Manager
Celia Aguirre has collaborated with global clients across diverse industries, driving market expansion and innovation from key business hubs in Europe and Latin America. With a strong background in international business, strategic consulting, and marketing, she has helped leading brands and technology companies navigate competitive global markets. She holds an MBA in International Management from ICEX-CECO, under the Spanish government’s Foreign Trade Institute, and a bachelor’s degree in International Business with a specialization in marketing from the University of Valencia. Her academic journey also includes programs at Solvay Business School in Brussels and the University of Wollongong in Australia.
Michael Rosen, MBA
Executive Sales Advisor
With over 20 years of experience in bioscience and technology commercialization, Michael Rosen has worked with leading universities like Johns Hopkins, MIT, and Northwestern to develop industry partnerships and support startup creation. He has held senior roles at Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Searle/Monsanto, and served as CEO of multiple biotech and medical device companies, raising over US $40 million and taking one company public. Michael has developed science parks and incubators at top institutions, trained over 300 faculty members in startup creation, and co-founded the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization. As part of GenIP, he brings his expertise to help drive innovation, support commercialization efforts, and strengthen partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders. He holds an MBA in International Business from the University of Miami and has worked in over 50 countries.
Eduardo Giacomazzi
Executive Sales Advisor
Eduardo brings extensive expertise in the health and biotechnology sectors, with a proven track record of driving innovation in Brazil, LATAM, and the USA. As Executive Sales Advisor for GenIP, he leads initiatives that drive growth and innovation in the industry. With deep experience in marketing management, business planning, innovation management, and international business development, Eduardo has made significant contributions to the Brazilian biotechnology ecosystem. As the founder and director of the Brazilian Biotechnology Association, he fostered collaboration and progress within the biotech community. His work, including co-authoring the Brazil Biotech map, has provided invaluable insights into the region’s biotech landscape. Eduardo’s expertise will play a key role in advancing GenIP’s growth and strengthening its impact in global biotechnology innovation.