Executive Profiles
Bridgit Hawkins
Interim CEO
Bridgit Hawkins is a visionary leader at the intersection of technology and sustainability. With a Master’s in Agricultural Science and executive training from Stanford, she has dedicated her career to transforming science into real-world impact for land, people, and planet.
As founder and former CEO of Regen, she pioneered decision-support tools that helped farmers improve profitability while caring for the environment. Following Regen’s acquisition by CropX, she became its Chief Sustainability Officer. She is a trusted board chair and advisor for companies across animal health, biostimulants, and vaccine development. Bridgit brings deep technical and commercial experience, guiding organisations from startup to scale and exit. [LinkedIn]
Dr. Denison Chang
Chief Science & Technical Officer
Denison Chang, PhD, is an accomplished scientist and innovator specializing in biomimicry and the translation of cutting-edge research into impactful products and solutions. He holds a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialization.
Denison has held key roles in the biotech and life sciences sectors, including senior leadership and advisory positions, where he has guided R&D initiatives, improved systems, and advanced animal welfare in vaccine production. At Humble Bee Bio, he leads the development of sustainable, bio-inspired materials. [LinkedIn]
Dr. Kaan Gunes
Director of Sales and Strategic Marketing
Kaan Gunes has extensive expertise in commercializing materials innovations through biotechnology. He has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across industries, including biotech, chemicals, polymers, and sustainability, with applications in personal care, packaging, and industrial sectors. Kaan specializes in strategic business development, product lifecycle management, and fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Kaan holds a PhD in Polymer Engineering and an Executive MBA. [LinkedIn]
Veronica H-Stevenson
Founder
Veronica’s vision for a sustainable humanity in harmony with the environment weaves together the best of science, communication, and business. An embodied venn diagram of all three, she holds a BSc in Reproductive Anatomy and Structural Biology, a Master’s in Science Communication and is active in the New Zealand impact entrepreneurship community.
She was a former chair for the Return on Science Momentum Investment Committee in Wellington, and has been a judge for KiwiNet's Science Commercialisation Awards. She pulls academic research into alignment with market needs, builds multidisciplinary teams, and translates technical outcomes into business strategy. [LinkedIn]
Lauren Cross
Operations Manager
Lauren Cross joined Humble Bee Bio in November 2020, bringing critical project management and administrative support to the CEO and growing team. With 20 years of experience spanning project management, governance, and business analysis, she has worked across global financial institutions and tech startups, ensuring operational excellence in fast-paced environments.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Diploma in Project Management, combining structured execution with a people-centric approach. Passionate about enabling teams through efficient systems and processes, Lauren plays a key role in optimising operations to support the successful delivery of business outcomes. [LinkedIn]
Board of Directors
Amanda Santos
Chair of the Board
Amanda Santos is a seasoned CEO and governance leader with extensive experience driving transformational change in public, private, and founder-led businesses. Known for her ability to achieve significant growth in revenue, profit, and liquidity, Amanda specializes in building diverse, high-performing teams and aligning culture with strategic goals.
As a sought-after advisor and mentor, she provides governance and business expertise to support organizations navigating growth and change. Amanda’s leadership has been recognized through awards, including being a finalist in the NZ Women of Influence Awards, highlighting her impact in fostering innovation and organizational success. [LinkedIn]
Dr. Andrew West
Director
With his PhD in Ecology, plus extensive training and experience in business administration and governance, Andrew is a scientist turned entrepreneur. Since 2015, he has co-founded and led five science-based and high-tech companies. He has special expertise in food and environmental industries. Having been a public servant, he also has special insight into working with elected officials and governmental departments to promote science and effect change.
Nicole Cook
Director
Nicole Cook is a seasoned executive and board director with extensive experience in driving innovation, scaling businesses, and addressing global challenges. Passionate about sustainability, future-focused industries, and advancing the future of work, Nicole has held leadership roles across startups and established organizations, guiding their growth and transformation.
With expertise in technology, human resources, energy efficiency, and fintech, Nicole has a strong track record in strategic planning, product and project management, and fostering customer-centric solutions. She holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. [LinkedIn]