Executive Team
Paul Young | Chief Executive Officer
Professor Paul Young has more than 25 years experience in industry and academia, entrepreneurship, business creation and strategic development. Paul has held the Inaugural Chair of Commercialisation in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney and was was the Deputy Executive Director of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, ranked no.1 Medical Research Institute globally in respiratory medicine. He has established a number of successful SMEs including Nanopharm Ltd, OzUK Ltd, Pulmatix Pty Ltd, and has worked on numerous products that have come to market with scientific specialty in the area of pharmaceutical product development.
Hui Xin Ong (YY) | Chief Operations Officer
Dr. YY Ong is the Chief Operating Officer of Ab Initio Pharma, bringing extensive expertise in operational leadership, strategic management, and cross-functional collaboration. She has a proven track record of driving efficiency and productivity, with significant experience managing complex projects and aligning cross-disciplinary teams to deliver on key business objectives.
Dr. Ong plays a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations, optimizing processes, and supporting the company's long-term growth strategies. She is committed to ensuring operational excellence and fostering strong partnerships between internal teams and external stakeholders.
With a background in both industry and academia, Dr. Ong combines leadership insight with a results-driven approach, making her a key driver of Ab Initio Pharma’s continued success in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.
Marcus Chan | Chief Financial Officer
Marcus Chan is the Chief Financial Officer of Ab Initio Pharma, bringing extensive expertise in financial management, operations, and strategic leadership. With over a decade of experience across diverse industries, Marcus plays a key role in overseeing the company’s financial health and operational efficiency, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
Holding a Master of Business in Management from the University of Technology, Sydney, Marcus combines his academic background with hands-on experience in corporate finance and business operations. Since joining Ab Initio Pharma in 2019, he has been instrumental in optimizing financial strategies, streamlining processes, and supporting the company’s long-term vision for pharmaceutical innovation.
Daniela Traini | Chief Scientific Officer
Professor Daniela Traini is the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Ab Initio Pharma, leading the company's scientific strategy and innovation pipeline with a focus on formulation development and pharmaceutical product advancement. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, she has extensive expertise in translating scientific discoveries into commercially viable products, particularly in aerosol medicine and advanced drug delivery systems.
In her role as CSO, Daniela oversees the development of cutting-edge pharmaceutical formulations, driving Ab Initio Pharma’s research initiatives and ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements. She plays a critical role in managing strategic collaborations with industry partners, supporting the company's growth through innovation and scientific leadership.
Daniela has a proven record of success, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications, four patents, and more than $20 million secured in competitive research funding. Her leadership continues to shape Ab Initio Pharma's position as a leader in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.