About us

Apercure Surgical originated from a pioneering medical device design studio at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, with a mission to address everyday challenges in clinical practice. By leveraging rapid design, prototyping, and testing, we develop simple yet impactful solutions that connect clinical needs with engineering innovation. Focused on surgical medicine and interventions, we are currently dedicated to enhancing radiological and surgical drains to improve experiences for both patients and clinicians. Our team of leading experts combines extensive clinical and engineering expertise with a shared commitment to transforming healthcare outcomes.

Executive Team

Gregory Watts

BMgt Trade Cert(FT) NZCE MInstD PMP 

Chief Executive Officer 


Gregory brings over 25 years of global experience advising startups and early-stage businesses, with CEO and board roles spanning Health, IT, EdTech, Manufacturing, and Biomechanics.

As a qualified engineer, he combines technical expertise with insight into the challenges and opportunities of early-stage businesses. His leadership includes serving as CEO of the European wellness brand Ultralife and Managing Director of the global augmented biomechanics company Exxovantage. Gregory’s diverse experience strengthens Apercure’s commitment to innovation and impactful solutions


Paul Roberts   

NZCS Chem, BE Mech, PhD BioEng

Chief Technical Officer


With over 30 years of experience, Paul specializes in developing solutions for technical challenges, particularly in medical devices and biomedical research. After starting his career in chemistry and as a laboratory technician, he worked on environmental monitoring in New Zealand and Antarctica.

Paul holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD in bioengineering. His career spans a variety of industries, from developing fibre optic components and navigation lights to creating healthcare solutions using his expertise in mechanical and electronic engineering.

Anthony Phillips  

BSc  MBChB  PhD

Chief Product Officer    


Anthony is a medical doctor, Professor of Science and a Deputy Director of the Surgical and Translational Research Centre at University of Auckland. He has a strong focus on translational research with wide-ranging expertise in both basic and clinical science. These interests have forged strong links with bioengineering and the medical technology sector. Anthony has held various industry roles as Medical Director, Preclinical Director or Consultant for a range of companies in NZ and the USA, including Protemix Inc, CoDa Inc, and Elbaware Ltd.



Elton Pan

MEng(BME), MEng(EM)

Director Regulatory & Quality


Elton has over 15 years of experience in regulatory affairs and quality systems within the medical device industry, Elton has collaborated with various teams, including design, manufacturing, suppliers, distribution, customer service, and external stakeholders.

His previous roles have encompassed medical device registration

assessments, post-market surveillance, establishing new quality management systems (QMS), conducting QMS audits and corrective actions, as well as implementing LEAN process improvements. Since joining the University of Auckland in 2019, he has been actively involved in several projects and start-ups.

John Windsor

BSc MBChB  MD FRACS FACS FRCSEd  FASA FRSNZ

Chief Medical Officer


John is a Professor of Surgery and Director of the Surgical & Translational Research Centre at University of Auckland and a senior consultant surgeon at Auckland City Hospital. 

He has been treating complex surgical patients for over 35 years and works closely with Interventional Radiologists. An internationally acclaimed surgeon and scientist he has made substantial contributions through innovative surgical research and clinical trials. As a Fellow of Royal Society of NZ. John has been involved in four spin-outs, including SimTutoras as a Founding Director and CMO for over a decade.


 

Graeme Carrick-Ranson  

PhD (Medicine)  BSc Hons 

Director Clinical Trials   


With over 10 years of experience leading 50+ scientific, clinical, and industry-focused projects, Graeme has managed multidisciplinary teams and worked with 100+ stakeholders to drive successful outcomes. He specialises in developing world-class research programs, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and navigating complex regulatory environments. Skilled in data analysis, stakeholder management, and delivering clear communications, Graeme has a strong track record of building international networks and mentoring early-career professionals and is committed to continuous learning and delivering exceptional service, while managing projects within strict timelines and challenging settings.

Craig Brown

CA

Chief Financial Officer


Craig is an experienced CFO & specialist in advising start-ups, having worked with 45 companies over 24 years, and raised more than $150M in investor funding, including listing a company on the NASQAQ. Craig brings to the company a depth of knowledge around financing and running early-stage companies with a high level of achievement in commercialisation of new technology. His experience includes 12 years as CFO for Auckland Uniservices, where he commercialised IP from the University of Auckland. Craig brings together founders and stakeholders to guide companies through multiple rounds of investment.

Cameron Lawes

LLB

Business Advisor   


Cameron is a barrister and a founding member of Resolution Chambers, a barristers chambers in Nelson. He is also a visiting university law lecturer at the AUT, delivering a new course he has written on civil and commercial litigation to final year law students.

Cameron is dual qualified in NZ and the UK, having spent 15 years in London handling high profile litigation cases across a range of subject matters. He now practices throughout NZ accepting instructions at all Court levels.

Silvie Thornton 

QIT 

Director Marketing & Social Media 


Silvie brings over 20 years of experience in training and marketing across sectors including health and wellbeing, nutrition, IT, and education.

Her career includes key roles, such as Marketing Manager for Eurosport, a European sports nutrition brand, and Ultralife, an international nutritional supplement manufacturer based in the UK. Since returning to New Zealand in 2008, Silvie has focused on the education sector and, more recently, served as a corporate trainer and consultant for PEP Worldwide.