59th Hope Winch Lecture

You're invited to attend the 59th Hope Winch Annual Memorial Lecture with Debra Leeves.

She will be speaking on "Innovation in Medical Technology."

About the speaker

Debra Leeves graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Ph*rm*cy in 1985 and has since become a successful entrepreneur, now serving as CEO of Vertual Ltd, a global supplier of virtual reality (VR) software systems.

With 35 years of experience in medical technology and pharmaceuticals, Debra has managed companies across the US, Middle East, and Europe. Following her graduation, she began her career in the pharmaceutical industry at P&G, Merck, GSK, and finally Pfizer, gaining experience in sales, marketing, regulatory affairs, business, and mergers and acquisitions.

In 2008, she completed an MBA at Warwick University and diversified her career into medical devices and diagnostics at GE Healthcare. She further expanded her qualifications in 2010 with a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification.

Debra went on to become a serial entrepreneur, building and investing in startup companies such as Avita Medical, Rex Bionics in New Zealand, Physeon in Switzerland, and DML solutions in the UK.

In 2018, she became CEO of Vertual Ltd and also holds public and listed company board roles. Debra is recognized for her commitment to developing the next generation of business leaders and supporting startup founders to raise funds for growth.

For her impressive career, Debra was presented with the Alumni Achiever of the Year Award in 2023.

The lecture will take place at Murray Health Lecture Theatre, City Campus, SR1 3SD. Registration, buffet, and networking start at 6:30 pm, while the lecture begins at 7:30 pm.

All staff, students, alumni, and members of the public are welcome to attend this free event. We hope to see you there!

Host or Publisher University of Sunderland