Ascensio
The Ascent of Medtech Innovation
At Ascensio, we ignite the spark that transforms ideas into impactful outcomes.
Partnering with MedTech, biotech, and pharmaceutical innovators, we unlock the potential of your breakthroughs, accelerating progress in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Inspired by "Ascensio Ignis"—Latin for "The Ascent of Fire"—our passion lies in leveraging strategic expertise, commercial experience, and clinical and financial networks to empower innovators to ethically accelerate clinical and patients access to innovations.
Dejan Toracki
Investor Relations, Growth, Cardiothoracic, Diagnostics, Digital
Dejan brings over 20 years of leadership experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, specializing in business transformation and growth. His expertise includes cardiac surgery, critical care, diagnostic cardiology, respiratory medicine, and AI-powered health innovations, supported by a background in surgical sales and clinical support.
Dejan excels at raising awareness of innovative therapies and companies among investors, analysts, KOLs, and hospital decision-makers. He bridges healthcare innovators, scientific communities, and the finance sector across Australia, the USA, and ASEAN. Recognized with prestigious President's Club honours and regional Sales Awards at leading multinational corporations, his achievements underscore his commitment to excellence.
Dejan holds a Bachelor of Business (Economics/Marketing) from Monash University, a Master of Marketing from Griffith University, and an MBA from the University of Queensland. He is a member of the Australasian Investor Relations Association (AIRA).
Simon Shearer
Strategy, Digital, Data / AI
Simon is a highly accomplished professional specializing in business strategy, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, with a distinguished record of leading transformative initiatives across a wide range of industries.
Simon collaborates with organisations to develop and execute strategies in key areas such as governance, technology, digital transformation, data & AI, marketing, customer experience, and high-performance operations. Currently, Simon is contributing to strategic data projects in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, driving innovation and excellence in readiness for this global event.
Equipped with an MBA from the University of Queensland and a Master’s degree in Project Management. Simon seamlessly combines strategic foresight with robust project execution skills to deliver outstanding solutions.
Ajay Nair
Global Growth & Talent
Ajay brings over two decades of deep industry expertise in MedTech and a proven track record of building high-performing teams across the US, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Using his experience from roles across APAC,
including key markets like China, Japan, Korea, India, and SEA, Ajay has successfully built his sales, marketing, and commercial leadership career with some of the top med device companies in the world. After spending the last 3 years working in VC, startups, and consulting, Ajay continues to expand his extensive people-oriented network that covers the US, the Middle East, and APAC.
Ajay earned his bachelor’s in Bioengineering from Arizona State University and an MBA in Global Business from the Thunderbird School of Management. He is Gamma Diagnostics, Inc.’s Board Chairman and Adjunct Professor at ESSEC APAC – Singapore Campus.
Dr Charles McDonald
Cardiothoracic & Critical Care
Dr. Charles McDonald is a seasoned perfusionist with over 30 years of dedicated service in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Currently, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Charles, specializes in operating advanced cardiopulmonary bypass machines, optimising patient outcomes during complex open-heart cardiac procedures.
His expertise includes intraoperative blood conservation, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and cutting-edge advancements in mechanical circulatory support. Earning his PhD in 2015 from the University of Queensland's School of Medicine, Charles has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications on extracorporeal circulation and related research.
A dedicated mentor to aspiring professionals, he is an active member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Perfusion, serving in several Executive Board roles.
Benjamin Toracki
Dermatology & Vaccines
Ben is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in specialist sales and marketing within the health and pharmaceutical industries. With a strong foundation in mathematical and physics analytics, Ben brings a unique analytical perspective to the business and marketing planning, enabling data-driven decisions that drive impactful outcomes. His expertise spans dermatology, vaccines, diabetes and related therapeutic areas, where he leverages deep market insights to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
With deep analytical proficiency in market research, segmentation, and profiling, excels in strategies for client account management and stakeholder engagement across multiple levels, particularly with healthcare professionals such as specialists, general practitioners, and pharmacists.
Ben’s academic credentials include a Master of Marketing from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition from Deakin University, a Diploma of Education from Victoria College, and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Monash University.