OTAQ, the innovative technology company targeting the aquaculture, geotracking and offshore markets, announces the appointments of Belinda Yaxley as Australia Country Manager and Mike Brawner as its sales representative in the US.
Australia
Belinda’s focus at OTAQ will predominantly be on aquaculture in Australia, New Zealand and the wider Asia Pacific region which is a hotspot for finfish and shrimp farming activity. Belinda will aim to grow awareness of OTAQ’s existing products and launch the new Live Plankton Analysis System, focused on providing farmers with automated and early identification of phytoplankton species that can cause harmful algae blooms, one of the largest industry issues that impact on fish health.
As a dedicated and results driven Environmental Advisor with a proven background in achieving government, industry and company specific environmental objectives; including certification, project management and sustainability reporting, Belinda brings significant industry and regional experience.
Belinda will continue in her role as a director of Nautilus Collaboration where she focuses on working with farms to develop and implement responsible farming practices which support certification and regulatory compliance.
Belinda holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and PhD in Zoology from the University of Tasmania and is a consultant and member of the Global Seafood Alliance and the Centre for Responsible Seafood.
America
Mike’s role will be to focus on business development, including new products, sales and marketing with the aim of growing revenues and market share in the US. He will target regional customers and industry bodies with a view to growing OTAQ’s presence particularly within underwater electrical connectors in general and leak detection (OceanSense), cameras, ethernet integration equipment and laser measurement equipment for offshore survey, inspection, repair and maintenance activities.
Mike has held various roles in the underwater systems sector and has strong relationships and industry exposure. Most recently he was VP Sales and Business Development at Underwater Systems Inc., focussing on the Oil and Gas business segments with particular focus on Offshore, Subsea Oceanographic and Aquaculture markets, selling a vast product portfolio of subsea and wet environment connectors and cable assemblies.
Richard Beesley, Chief Commercial Officer at OTAQ, commented: “We are delighted that Belinda and Mike are joining our team. Belinda has significant experience in welfare in aquaculture, particularly defining insensibility for humane slaughter and product quality as well as welfare education on farms and Mike has a proven track record in growing business presence in rapidly expanding market areas.
“We are currently going through a very exciting period of growth at OTAQ, and we are looking forward to working with Belinda and Mike. We are busy building the best team to help us reach our goals, and with their wealth of experience and expertise, we are confident that they will provide an extremely valuable contribution.“
