Robert Speedie

• Company Overview: Novotech is an Asia-Pacific biotech-focused contract research organization (“CRO”). Novotech’s services are specifically designed for biotech R&D, benefit from the growing R&D demand from biotech and small and medium pharmaceutical customers globally. Novotech employs approximately 5,500 employees across the Asia-Pacific region and the United States. Novotech has 100+ people in Finance across, Australia, China, Korea, Taiwan, USA and India.
• As CFO of Novotech, I led the company’s global financial strategy and operations during a period of rapid expansion and transformation. I partnered closely with the CEO, Board, and executive team to drive strategic growth, improve financial performance, and strengthen governance across our international footprint.
• Developed and executed an equity value creation plan post-private equity investment, resulting in a 5x increase in enterprise value.
• Led three major acquisitions (2 in North America, 1 in Europe), using structured earnouts and equity instruments—each exceeding business plans from Year 1.
• Reduced SG&A by 1000 bps over three years; maintained flat USD costs despite inflation.
• Restructured global workforce to eliminate sunk costs through sensitive redundancy programs.
• Co-designed and implemented a transfer pricing policy that drove over $100M in cash tax savings.
• Established a global treasury function, introduced hedge accounting, and significantly reduced P&L volatility.
• Consolidated fragmented global banking relationships and simplified structure.
• Reduced audit timelines by 400%, re-tendered and halved audit fees.
• Acted as CEO alternate with delegated authority; reviewed board materials across financial and operational domains.
• Led organizational redesign to integrate geographic and functional leadership, improving clarity and reducing duplication.
• Spent ~50% of time in-market across North America, Europe, Asia (including China).
• Oversaw the evaluation of alternate listing jurisdictions based on tax, regulatory, and ESG considerations.

• Guest lecture to MBA and EMBA students in relation to Due Diligence.

Supervised financial health through independent reviews of accounting and audit processes.

• Directed operations at TPG, serving as Managing Director within Operations Division.
• Acted as Chief Financial Officer for Novotech Health Holdings, managing USD$4 billion market cap.
• Led transformation and growth initiatives as Chief Operating Officer at Greencross Pet Wellness Company.
• Authored Value Creation Plans for Greencross, Funlab, and Made Group.
• Collaborated with TPG Portfolio Company Boards as Chairman and Observer.
• Participated on Executive Committees for Greencross and Novotech.
• Oversaw financial information preparation for planned Novotech Hong Kong IPO.
• Managed supply chain and procurement functions, driving strategic initiatives at Greencross.

Leveraged over seventeen years of transactional expertise to provide comprehensive accounting and financial strategies.

Cultivated relationships with diverse clients across multiple sectors and regions, including strategic and financial parties.

Executed financial due diligence for M&A, capital market transactions, and specialized projects.

Developed extensive network of senior executives, directors, and advisers throughout the region.

Managed large teams and complex projects, collaborating with various advisers across different geographies.

Oversaw a team of 40 professionals and five partners in Financial Advisory at PwC Australia.

Held P&L responsibility, focusing on team economics, project selection, and working capital management.

Defined annual strategy, setting key objectives and managing budgeting and forecasting processes.