Our Team

AusBiotech’s Leadership team is instrumental in setting strategic direction and leading the organisation’s core operations.

In close partnership with the CEO and Board, our leadership team advance our mission and ensure we deliver exceptional value to our members.

Each leader brings deep industry expertise and a strong member-first focus, they lead their teams with purpose, passion, and a commitment to impact.

Rebekah Cassidy

Chief Excutive Officer and Managing Direcor

Rebekah is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of AusBiotech, with extensive expertise in strategy, public policy, and the health and life sciences sectors. She leads national advocacy and industry development, working closely with government and stakeholders to strengthen the ecosystem. A strategic executive, she drives collaboration, investment, and reform, drawing on senior experience across corporate, government, and pharmaceutical industry.

Meet Rebekah →

Rosanne Hyland

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Rosanne Hyland is a senior executive with experience across operations, finance, governance and strategy, specialising in life sciences and high-end hospitality. As Deputy CEO of AusBiotech, she leads organisational growth and transformation, with strong commercial acumen and values-driven leadership, delivering impactful outcomes through stakeholder engagement, team development and strategic execution.

Meet Rosanne →

Kate Donnellan

Executive Assistant (EA)

Kate is a highly strategic EA at AusBiotech, partnering closely with the Board, CEO and senior leadership to enable effective governance and decision-making. She drives operational excellence across the executive office, managing priorities, coordinating key initiatives, and ensuring seamless communication. Her proactive approach and strong stakeholder management make her a critical enabler of organisational performance and leadership impact.

Meet Kate →

Dr Robyn Lindner

Director of State & Committee Engagement

Dr Robyn Lindner is an accomplished scientist and partnership executive with more than 25 years’ experience across academia, medical research, biotechnology and public health. She brings significant expertise in strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement and commercialisation. At AusBiotech, she leads our engagement with members via State Committees, Advisory Groups and Forums to ensure that member voices are heard.

Meet Robyn →

Karyn McIntosh

Director of Government & Policy

Karyn is a government and public policy expert with 15+ years’ experience across law, and government and international relations. She has led policy and stakeholder engagement in the public and private sectors, working across R&D, manufacturing and pharma, and advocates for policies to support a thriving, world-leading life sciences ecosystem from bench to bedside.

Meet Karyn →

Tamlyn O'Connor

Head of Global Trade & Partnerships

Tamlyn who leads the national TradeStart partnership with Austrade to drive international growth for Australia’s biotech, medtech, pharmaceutical, and digital health sectors. With over 20 years’ experience, she brings strong expertise in industry development, trade engagement, and ecosystem building.

Meet Tamlyn →

Samantha Saunders

Director of Marketing and Communications

Sam is the Director of Marketing and Communications and is a senior leader with 15 years’ experience building brands at the intersection of technology, culture and collaboration, she translates complex products into emotionally resonant campaigns that drive affinity and growth. Sam's work spans government, tourism, fintech and major cultural brands, including Air New Zealand and SXSW Sydney, delivering national recognition, audience growth and commercial impact globally.

Meet Samantha →

Kerri Lee Sinclair

Director of Investment

Kerri Lee Sinclair is Director of Investment at AusBiotech, where she leads investment strategy to strengthen investor engagement and capital formation across Australia’s life sciences sector. She works across industry, investor and international networks to enhance Australia’s profile as a destination for life sciences investment, drawing on experience across innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and global operating roles.

Meet Kerri Lee →

Britney Toogood

Director of Events

Director of Events at AusBiotech, responsible for the strategic design and delivery of flagship events that connect and strengthen Australia’s life sciences sector. Brings extensive experience in event leadership, driving engagement, partnerships, and high-impact industry experiences.

Meet Britney →

Hayley van der Meer

Director of Membership Services & Strategic Partnerships

Hayley is a senior leader with 25+ years of experience in stakeholder management, business development, corporate communications, and investor relations across life sciences, including health, medical tech, agriculture, and research sectors. She takes a strategic, collaborative approach to engage investors, members, and partners to drive sector growth and long-term value.

Meet Hayley →

Where life science leaders thrive