UniQuest Pty Limited, The University of Queensland’s main commercialisation company, has appointed David Cotton MBA, Dip Bus (Acc), CA to head its Corporate and Financial Services Division.
Since joining the leading tech transfer company in June, Mr Cotton has been schooling up on UniQuest’s extensive portfolio of start-up companies and royalty-earning licence agreements.
Uniquest's worldwide sales of products and services using UQ technologies now exceed $3.5 billion per year.
Mr Cotton brings to his new role more than 20 years' experience in senior financial management with both start-up and established companies.
He has worked in a number of different industries, including retail, IT and investment. Prior to joining UniQuest David Cotton was Chief Financial Officer for Mitchell Drilling, an exploration company involved in coal seam gas with operations in Australia, China and India.
Mr Cotton first became involved with the challenges of commercialising front-end research whilst working for the Distributed Systems Technology Centre, a leading IT research organisation in Australia in the 1990s. Precision Eyewear and Suncorp have also benefited from his business acumen.
Mr Cotton also has skills in strategic planning, people management, marketing, IT, and operations.
Managing Director of UniQuest David Henderson said the diversity of Cotton’s expertise would prove valuable as the company’s growth cycle gained momentum.
“We are pleased to have a financial manager of David’s calibre join our team,” Henderson said.
“His comprehensive understanding of the technology transfer process, with all its challenges and rewards, will help the company continue to push the boundaries of innovation commercialisation from a strong financial position.”
For Mr Cotton, accepting the appointment as UniQuest’s General Manager for Corporate and Financial Services has been like embarking on a new route to a familiar destination.
“University-based research and start-ups have different factors impacting on the likelihood of success or failure.” he said.
“I know how quickly innovation is adopted and adapted in IT but now I will be involved with technologies that take a lot more time, patience and risk to develop, so that’s an exciting and new frontier for me.
“The financial management of UniQuest’s contract research and consultancy work involving UQ academics, and contribution to overseas aid through its International Projects division, give this role dimensions I have not encountered before.
“UniQuest is recognised as one of Australia’s leading tech transfer companies. It’s in growth mode, and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping more university researchers reap the rewards of seeing their discoveries and expertise make a difference.”
Mr Cotton replaces Richard Symons as the company’s CFO and board secretary. Mr Symons resigned earlier this year to focus his career in funds management, staying on as a consultant with UniQuest until Cotton took the helm.
Media inquiries: Leanne Wyvill (3365 4037, 0409 767 199, l.wyvill@uniquest.com.au). High resolution image of David Cotton available.
