ColdBlock is disrupting the analytical laboratory technology sector with its innovative sample digestion technology. Developed in partnership with Brock University, ColdBlock uses focused short-wave infrared heating and a unique cooling zone to dissolve solid sample matter into solution for multi-element analysis. The result is a significantly faster, simpler, and safer process compared with other digestion methods, with proven accuracy and repeatability. ColdBlock Technologies Inc. is a privately owned company based in Ontario, Canada.

Executive Team

Craig West (CEO) – A founding investor, Craig has served on the Board since 2015, and was appointed CEO in July 2021. Through prior careers in capital markets (17 years in equity research, sales, & capital markets), and engineering (7 years in project management & execution, engineering consulting), Craig has developed extensive experience in corporate strategy, management, sales & marketing, and corporate finance. Craig has an MBA specializing in innovation & finance, and a B.Sc. Engineering degree, both from Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario.

Akash Kapoor (CFO) – Akash joined ColdBlock as CFO in July 2023. He brings over 25 years of experience in sectors ranging from tech to consulting, and capital markets. Throughout his career, Akash has held diverse roles, from strategic and operational executive to co-founder, advisor, and investor, with expertise in scaling small to medium-sized enterprises. He is a Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business in London, Ontario, as well as a B.Com (Hons) from Queen’s University in Kingston.

Kirill Pereverzev (CTO) – Kirill has been an integral member of the ColdBlock operating team since the early founding days, Kirill has spearheaded the development, testing, and commercialization of ColdBlock’s newest product lines. Experienced in engineering and design with a focus on developing and bringing ideas to market, Kirill was promoted to Chief Technology Officer in 2021 and leads the advancement of R&D projects that will help shape the future of ColdBlock. Kirill holds a degree in Chemistry (HONS), and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology.

Heather Lielmanis (CMO) – Heather is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with over 20 years of experience driving results for brands of all sizes. During her 12-year tenure at Rogers Communications Inc., she led the development and execution of award-winning campaigns for major clients including Procter & Gamble, Ford, and Kraft. For the past decade, Heather has brought her strategic insight to the small business sector, helping entrepreneurs grow through tailored marketing, sales, and social media strategies. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University.

Nicola Chapman (VP Operations) – Nicola is a metallurgist and chemical engineer with 25 years of experience, including work with Anglo-American. She has a strong background in operations and project management, with expertise in environmental, health and safety standards, and ISO compliance. Nicola has a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Kathy Moffatt (VP Sales) – Kathy is a sales management professional with over 30 years of experience in the scientific instrumentation industry. Her expertise spans management of diverse sales teams and multiple sales channels at companies such as Agilent Technologies and Varian Inc. She has demonstrated a keen ability to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and adapt to evolving market trends. Kathy is recognized as a trusted mentor and results-driven leader.

Board of Directors

Nick Kuryluk (Chair) – Founding investor and CEO of ColdBlock Technologies Inc. from 2014 to 2021. Nick is Co-Founder of CoSality Executive Partners, a boutique strategic management firm that provides fractional Chiefs of Staff and executives to strengthen leadership capacity and execution in the life sciences industry. Prior to ColdBlock, Nick spent 22 years with Amgen Canada Inc., leading strategic planning, new product commercialization, and organizational change initiatives. Nick is also Co-Chair of Altitude Accelerator, a leading innovation hub that supports entrepreneurs and emerging technology companies in scaling their businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.

Craig West (CEO) – See above.

Damir Strk – Damir was appointed to the Board in 2017 by the estate of Ron Emburgh, Co-Inventor of ColdBlock Digestion Technology. Damir has a 20-year career in commercial & residential real estate and is currently a broker with REMAX Reality Specialists Inc. Damir brings strong financial knowledge and has provided insights into channel distribution strategies.

Terry Windrem – Terry is President and CEO of Park Place Financial, and a co-founder of Peak Benefit Solutions, a leading group benefits company in Central Ontario. Terry brings more than 40-years of experience in investment strategies. He is a current member of the Peterborough Region Angel Network (PRAN), a Lakefield College School Trustee, and a former charter member of Kawartha Rotary.

Thomas Wong – Thomas joined the board in 2020 and is an angel investor in several start- up stage companies. His background is in Mechanical Engineering, with degrees from the University of Hong Kong, McMaster University, and Wilfrid Laurier University, and a career in industrial manufacturing. He is a certified greenbelt and blackbelt in Six-Sigma Manufacturing and has overseen implementation of ISO 9000 quality control systems.

Russ Calow – Russ joined the board in Sept. 2022 and comes from a 35-year career in the analytical laboratory sector and is a renowned industry expert with experience expanding laboratory operations, integrating new acquisitions, reducing costs, and increasing lab productivity. Russ was most recently Vice President Global Analytical Services at SGS. Through his career Russ was also involved with a number of industry agencies including CALA, IAETL/CCIL, CIMM, and the CMA.

Rory Cattanach – Rory joined the board in April 2023. He is a partner of Wildeboer Dellelce LLP practicing primarily in the areas of corporate finance, governance, commercial transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. Rory has served on boards of several technology companies and been involved in numerous public and private financings. Prior to joining Wildeboer in January 1996, Rory practiced law at Stikeman Elliott LLP. Rory is an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School.