AVS People

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Goldsmith

As CEO of AVS, Michelle brings extensive experience in innovation, commercialisation and leadership across the agricultural and life sciences sectors.

Michelle leads the AVS team and their endeavours to transform agricultural research into commercial and industry‑ready outcomes, supporting productivity, sustainability and long‑term impact for farmers and the broader sector. Alongside the skill-based AVS Board, she is responsible for setting strategic direction and working closely with research, industry and government partners to turn capability into real‑world value.

Before joining AVS, Michelle held senior executive roles at Strategic Project Partners, Global Kinetics and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, building deep expertise in strategy, technology transfer and intellectual property. With a strong background in biotechnology and IP, she is a recognised expert in research commercialisation and government–industry collaboration, and has worked with multiple venture‑backed companies. Michelle is an experienced Non-executive Director within Government and corporate environments.

Natasha Twigg

Head of Corporate Services & Company Secretary

Natasha leads AVS’s Corporate Services functions, providing oversight of finance, legal, operations and organisational systems that enable delivery of the company’s strategic objectives. She plays a key role in ensuring AVS operates efficiently, with strong governance, robust processes and the capability to support growth and impact.

Natasha brings more than 20 years of experience across the Victorian Government, with a strong track record in operational leadership, investment management and the delivery of complex initiatives at the interface of government and industry. She has led large-scale programs, managed significant public investment, and built streamlined systems and processes to support investment attraction, innovation and business engagement.

At AVS, Natasha has been instrumental in strengthening operations and supporting strategic delivery, working closely with investment and corporate teams to improve business processes and organisational performance. Her leadership of Corporate Services ensures the foundations are in place for AVS to deliver high-quality outcomes for partners, industry and government.

Jane Banovac

Commercialisation Lead

Jane leads AVS’s commercialisation and investment activity across the Grains and Biologicals portfolio, with responsibility for shaping portfolio direction and developing investment and commercialisation opportunities to drive delivery of impactful outcomes for industry.

In this role, she works across investment design, partnerships, intellectual property and portfolio oversight, working closely with researchers, industry partners and government stakeholders to progress initiatives from concept through to delivery.

Jane brings 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector including roles spanning research commercialisation, agribusiness, product development and emerging industry R&D. Her background strengthens AVS’s investment, commercialisation and partnership capability and supports innovation and translation in the Grains and Biologicals portfolios.

Rocco Iannello

Commercialisation Lead

Rocco leads AVS’s investment and portfolio activity across the Horticulture and Dairy portfolios, with responsibility for shaping portfolio direction, developing investment opportunities and supporting delivery of industry‑relevant outcomes. In this role, he works across investment design, partnerships and portfolio oversight.

At AVS, Rocco works closely with researchers, industry partners and government stakeholders to progress initiatives from concept through to delivery. He brings a strong understanding of how research capability, collaboration and commercial pathways interact to support adoption across the value chain.

Rocco draws on more than 30 years of experience working across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and digital health, including roles spanning commercialisation, licensing, venture creation, strategic partnerships and intellectual property development. His background strengthens AVS’s investment capability and supports informed, practical decision‑making across the horticulture and dairy portfolios.

Kieran Jina

Head of Investment & CEO of SmartLure Australia

Kieran leads AVS’s investment activity, with responsibility for assessing and allocating capital to agricultural innovation opportunities to deliver economic, environmental and industry outcomes.

In this role, Kieran evaluates investment proposals developed by the commercialisation team, applying due diligence and challenging assumptions. He allocates capital across the portfolio, actively balancing investments to optimise impact and financial returns.

Kieran brings more than 13 years’ experience as a venture investor, operator and director across agtech, biotech and deeptech sectors. He was previously Managing Partner at Pacific Channel, where he led investment activity across more than 40 companies and worked across the full lifecycle of IP-based businesses, from research grant through to exit. He has raised and deployed institutional capital and held executive roles including Chief Operating Officer of Engender Technologies through to acquisition by a global corporate.

Ben Thomson

Senior Commercialisation Manager

Ben is AVS’ Senior Commercialisation Manager for the grains portfolio, responsible for translating research outputs into commercial outcomes through licensing, IP management and investment project delivery. His work spans the full commercial life-cycle, from IP identification through to market delivery.

Ben brings a practical, deal-focused approach, with particular expertise in IP strategy, licensing negotiation and research contract management. At AVS, he manages a portfolio of active commercial agreements across the grains sector, working closely with partners in both domestic and international markets.

Before joining AVS, Ben spent more than a decade in senior commercialisation and IP strategy roles within the Department of Defence. There, he led technology transfer initiatives, established governance frameworks for science translation, and managed high-value research contracting programs. He brings this experience in complex, IP-sensitive environments to AVS’ grains commercialisation strategy.

Enrico Tronchin

Senior Commercialisation Manager

Enrico manages IP, commercialisation projects and investments across animal and plant genomics, with a focus on the dairy, meat and medicinal plant sectors.

In this role, he works with researchers, entrepreneurs and industry partners to identify commercial opportunities, develop investment-ready projects and create pathways from research to market. His work spans commercial strategy, partnerships, intellectual property management and licensing, helping translate innovation into industry impact. Enrico specialises in assessing the commercial potential of early-stage technologies and guiding them through strategy, investment readiness and licensing. He is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to build the skills and confidence needed to turn R&D into real-world outcomes.

Enrico brings nearly 20 years of experience in research commercialisation, innovation strategy and business development. He has built and led business functions, managed large innovation portfolios and supported commercialisation outcomes across diverse technology sectors. Prior to joining AVS, Enrico led IP commercialisation activities at Auckland University of Technology, helped redesign the Newmarket Innovation Precinct at the University of Auckland, and supported the commercialisation development of more than 100 science and engineering research investments through New Zealand's SfTI National Science Challenge. His experience strengthens AVS's capability to translate research into commercial and industry impact.

Dr Karen Holden

Senior Intellectual Property Manager

Karen is a registered Patent Attorney and leads the IP team at AVS as the IP Manager. Karen is responsible for managing AVS’ IP portfolio, identifying and protecting IP assets, providing IP training, and developing IP strategy to align with AVS’ commercial goals to drive impact for growers and producers. Karen translates patent speak into researcher speak and vice versa.

Prior to joining AVS, Karen completed a Masters of Intellectual Property Law at The University of Melbourne while training at IP Law firm Griffith Hack. Karen’s technical background is in the area of Molecular Microbiology and has held research, project management and commercialisation roles in both academia and industry, including in biotech start-ups.

Karen has completed two postdoctoral fellowships (CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, formerly AAHL; and The University of Melbourne School of Veterinary Science) with experience in the design and development of veterinary vaccines for livestock animals. Karen brings extensive experience in IP strategy and management, research translation, grant preparation, commercialisation, quality and regulatory frameworks, operations and business development from the human and veterinary medical research sector. Karen is focussed on solving problems and getting impactful solutions to where they can do some good.

Su Mehta

Commercialisation Manager

Su works with researchers, industry partners and stakeholders to identify, evaluate and commercialise innovative technologies in the dairy sector.

In this role, she supports the development of commercialisation opportunities, helping researchers assess technology potential, strengthen intellectual property positions and progress innovations towards industry adoption and impact.

Su brings more than 11 years' experience in intellectual property, technology transfer and research commercialisation across agriculture, biotechnology, MedTech, diagnostics and health in Australia and overseas. Prior to joining AVS, she worked in technology transfer at the Australian National University, supporting a diverse portfolio of biotechnology and diagnostic technology projects.

Adrian Soe Myint

Commercialisation Manager

Adrian supports the commercialisation of grains-related research, helping translate scientific innovation into practical industry and market opportunities.

He works closely with researchers, industry partners and stakeholders to support licensing, partnership development and commercial strategy, helping progress innovations from research through to adoption.

With a strong background in AgTech, commercial strategy and business development, Adrian has experience supporting the deployment of digital agriculture technologies across Australian and international markets. Prior to joining AVS, he held leadership and commercial roles with CropX, Green Brain and Village Link, working across precision agriculture, on-farm decision-support tools, and soil and weather monitoring technologies. His leadership and engagement skills have been recognised through multiple awards.

Bringing together his experience in agriculture technology, commercialisation, stakeholder engagement, market development and data science, Adrian helps connect agricultural innovation with market opportunities and industry needs, supporting the successful adoption and impact of new technologies across the grains sector.

Jack Clemens

Commercialisation Manager

Jack works with researchers to translate grains research into commercially relevant outcomes for the agriculture sector.

Drawing on expertise across biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, biomedicine and genetics, Jack helps researchers identify opportunities to maximise the value and impact of their innovations.

In this role, he works across research engagement, intellectual property, market validation and industry partnering, supporting research teams to protect valuable innovations and develop pathways from discovery through to industry adoption.

Before joining AVS, Jack worked in research commercialisation roles with Wellington UniVentures and Monash Innovation, supporting the translation of innovations across a range of scientific disciplines. His experience strengthens AVS's capability to connect research, industry and commercial opportunities within the grains portfolio.

Rae Bacon-Rowe

Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Project Officer

Rae provides specialised intellectual property, contracts and operational support across AVS.

Working closely with the Intellectual Property Manager, she supports the management of AVS's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, Plant Breeder's Rights, trademarks and domain name registrations, while assisting with contract administration and related business processes.

Rae ensures AVS's intellectual property, contracts and commercialisation activities are supported by effective systems, processes and operational coordination, enabling the delivery of high-quality support to researchers and partners.

Kate Karrasch

People and Culture Manager

Kate leads the People and Culture function at AVS, partnering with leaders and teams to build organisational capability, strengthen culture, and create an environment where people can perform at their best.

With more than 25 years' experience across human resources, operations and corporate services in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, including 15 years in executive leadership roles, Kate combines strategic insight with practical implementation. She is passionate about helping leaders align people, culture and organisational priorities, and plays a key role in fostering AVS's high-performance culture, strong employee engagement and collaborative ways of working.

Informed by her education in Business and Wellness, Kate brings a strong focus on capability building, wellbeing and positive workplace culture, ensuring AVS remains a place where people thrive and deliver meaningful impact.

Jasmine Aquilina-Borg

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

Jasmine provides executive and operational support across AVS, working closely with the CEO and leadership team to support the day‑to‑day running of the organisation.

At AVS, she works across executive coordination, contract management, HR support and internal operations. Her role includes supporting the administration of commercial agreements, project delivery, team coordination, and the planning of key meetings and events, contributing to the effective delivery of core organisational activities. She also supports board operations, including board administration and governance processes, helping ensure AVS remains a well‑organised and responsive team.

Kirsty Targrass

Adminstration Assistant

Kirsty supports the delivery of AVS's strategic and operational activities through executive, administrative and business support services across the organisation.

With more than 18 years' experience supporting senior leaders and executives across finance, government, not-for-profit and private sector organisations, Kirsty has extensive expertise in executive support, stakeholder coordination, governance administration, human resources processes and business operations. Her experience enables the effective coordination of organisational activities that support the delivery of AVS's investment, innovation and commercialisation objectives.

Alex Carroll

Legal Counsel, Risk and Governance Officer

Alex provides legal expertise to support AVS's commercialisation activities and organisational decision-making. He works across IP, commercial agreements, risk management and governance, helping to ensure that AVS's investments, partnerships and commercial activities are supported by robust legal and governance frameworks.

Leveraging off his education in law, science and sustainability, Alex is skilled at translating legal complexity into practical advice, protecting commercial value and managing risk to support effective decision-making across the organisation. Through his role, Alex strengthens AVS’s capability to navigate complex legal matters and deliver value through research translation.

Helen Liu

Financial Controller

Helen leads AVS's financial management, budgeting, reporting, governance and risk functions, providing strategic financial leadership to support organisational performance and long-term value creation for the Agriculture industry. She partners with the executive team and Board to deliver financial planning, reporting, budgeting, investment analysis and compliance activities that support sound decision-making and effective governance.

With more than 15 years' experience in finance, accounting and commercial management, Helen combines extensive technical expertise in financial strategy, business partnering, corporate governance, and research commercialisation to help AVS manage risk, allocate resources effectively and deliver sustainable outcomes for its stakeholders. She is committed to strengthening organisational performance and contributing to sound financial stewardship and strategic outcomes.

In Chyi Lee

Senior Accountant

In Chyi supports AVS's finance operations across financial reporting, month-end processes, payroll, compliance, budgeting, cash flow management, royalties’ administration, and stakeholder support.

Working across a range of financial and operational activities, she helps ensure AVS maintains strong financial management practices and has improved operational efficiency and reporting quality.

Drawing on extensive experience across finance, accounting and business improvement, In Chyi supports informed decision-making, strengthens organisational performance and contributes to the efficient delivery of accurate financial reporting, robust internal controls, and practical solutions that support AVS’s strategic decision-making.

Amber Zhu

Assistant Accountant

Amber supports AVS's finance function, helping deliver efficient financial operations and strong financial administration across the organisation. She contributes to the financial processes that underpin day-to-day business activities, supporting accurate reporting, effective controls and informed decision-making. Drawing on a background in accounting, taxation and financial reporting, Amber helps strengthen AVS's financial capability and organisational performance.

Jonathan Law

Strategic Operations Manager

Jonathan drives AVS's strategic functions, overseeing corporate strategy and reporting, mission-led investment development, and organisation-wide priority initiatives. He engages across research, industry and government to align priorities, identify opportunities and support impactful decision-making.

Drawing on a background in biological and environmental sciences, Jonathan brings a multidisciplinary perspective to complex challenges at the intersection of science, policy, investment and stakeholder engagement.

Before joining AVS, Jonathan held senior strategy, policy and coordination roles within DEECA's Water and Catchments and Agriculture Victoria divisions, contributing to policy development, funding programs, business cases, governance and ministerial advice related to natural resource management. His experience enables the connection of scientific capability, government priorities and industry needs to drive sustainable value.

Katie Macwhirter

Senior Project Officer

Katie works at the intersection of strategy, innovation and impact, helping connect research with industry to translate ideas into real-world outcomes that deliver economic, environmental and social value.

At AVS, she supports strategic planning, governance, investment portfolio management, impact assessment and stakeholder engagement, helping strengthen partnerships and maximise the value created through agricultural research and innovation. Her work focuses on demonstrating impact, informing decision-making and supporting the translation of research into commercial and industry outcomes.

As a Certified Prosci Change Management Professional, Katie brings a practical and structured approach to navigating complexity, engaging stakeholders and delivering strategic initiatives in dynamic environments.