Montu has brought on Jodie Thomas to head the company's corporate strategy, external engagement, and patient advocacy work, while SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals has named Lauren Stark as its incoming general manager.
Thomas joins Montu as vice president of corporate affairs and patient advocacy, bringing over twenty years of healthcare leadership to the position. She most recently held the role of senior director of patient access, public affairs, and policy for Oceania at Novo Nordisk.
Montu described Thomas as internationally recognised for her expertise, noting that she has been central to advancing market access and policy strategies for a range of treatments.
Managing director Christopher Strauch said her "exceptional ability to unite patients, policymakers, and industry will be critical as we work to improve access and deliver meaningful change for Australians".
Thomas added: "Joining Montu is an extraordinary opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients facing systemic challenges to healthcare access.
"I look forward to contributing to the development of reforms that expand safe and effective access through telehealth, and deliver transformative solutions for patients nationwide."
In a separate announcement, SOMAÍ has appointed Lauren Stark — formerly head of pharmacy sales at Vitura Health — as its new GM.
Stark carries more than 25 years of sales and leadership experience spanning the health, pharmacy, and real estate sectors, with a particular focus on business growth and innovation.
"Throughout her career, Lauren has established herself as a results-driven leader with a proven ability to build high-performing teams and successfully launch brands into competitive markets," SOMAÍ said.
"Her expertise in customer-focused strategies has delivered outstanding outcomes, including record revenue growth and enhanced market presence across integrative medicine, pharmaceuticals, and natural medicine."
During her time at Vitura, SOMAÍ noted that Stark developed and executed strategies that produced record unit sales of cannabis products.
She was also instrumental in the early rollout of therapeutic nicotine vaping products in Australia, forging partnerships with major prescribing clinics, dispensaries, and pharmacy groups.
SOMAÍ CEO Michael Sassano added: "Lauren's appointment marks our commitment to developing and investing into the Australian market.
"Her wealth of experience, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to
advancing healthcare align perfectly with our mission to bring Australian doctors
and patients the most comprehensive EU-GMP extract portfolio, as well as newest
flower lines and brands."
