Berry Genomics and Prenetics Unveil Core Management Team for Joint Venture Circle DNA, Appointing Former Google China Executive Joe Yan as CEO

On February 19, 2019, Berry Genomics (Stock Code: 000710), an innovative Chinese biotechnology company, and Prenetics Limited, a highly influential genetic testing company in the Southeast Asian and European markets, jointly announced that their consumer-grade genetic testing joint venture has completed the formation of its core management team, with Mr. Yan Jun, former General Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Google China, joining as Chief Executive Officer.

The new company, abbreviated as “Circle DNA” (Yuan Jiyin), derives its name from the cyclical iteration of life in nature. The two parties further announced that Circle DNA will commence operations by the end of the second quarter of 2019.

On November 9, 2018, Berry Genomics issued the “Announcement on Jointly Investing with Related Parties to Establish Beijing Yuanyuan Gene Biotechnology Co., Ltd.,” announcing that the company, whose main business is consumer-grade digital health and genetic testing services, had completed its industrial and commercial registration. The company’s name is Beijing Yuanyuan Gene Technology Co., Ltd. Leveraging its leading position and resource advantages in the clinical translation of gene sequencing, Berry Genomics took an important step in advancing its strategic layout across the entire gene industry chain by entering the consumer genetic testing market through a minority equity stake, while retaining rights of first refusal for restricted equity and exclusive options to purchase equity.

Mr. Yan Jun (Joe Yan) serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Yan previously held the positions of General Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Google China, Vice President of Vipshop Group, Managing Director of Fosun Group, Director of Corporate Development and Deputy General Manager at Alibaba Group, and General Manager of Business Development at Amazon China.

Ms. Wang Ziyan (Claire Wang) serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Ms. Wang previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at 23Mofang, a Chinese consumer-grade genetic testing company. Additionally, she has held various senior management positions in the healthcare sector, including Distribution Operations Manager at Procter & Gamble China.

Ms. Candy Liu serves as Marketing Director. Previously, Ms. Liu held the position of Senior Marketing Manager at LVMH Group. She has also served in various senior marketing roles, including China Marketing Manager at PepsiCo and Senior Brand Manager at L'Oréal China.

Mr. Yan Jun, CEO of Yuan Gene, stated, “Leaving Google was not an easy decision, but I believe the opportunity at Yuan Gene is once in a lifetime. With my extensive experience in both the internet and broader healthcare sectors, I have not only recognized the tremendous growth potential within the consumer-grade genetic testing market, but also see that this emerging industry urgently requires innovative thinking in management and operations. My team and I are full of confidence in this industry, which presents both opportunities and challenges. Leveraging mobile internet technology to provide personalized, predictive, and preventive consumer-grade genetic testing and consulting services is currently the most convenient and efficient way to meet the needs of a broad user base. I strongly endorse the vision articulated by Berry Genomics and Prenetics, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Yuan Gene toward success, bringing a more positive and proactive lifestyle to millions of people through DNA technology.”

Dr. Zhou Daixing, CEO and Co-founder of Berry Genomics, stated, “We have always maintained a high level of attention to the immense potential of the consumer-grade testing market. Scientifically rigorous consumer-grade genetic testing can provide important reference data for public health, which, when complemented by professional and personalized health consultations, can significantly improve the overall health of the general population. This aligns perfectly with Berry Genomics’ original mission. Consumer-grade genetic testing is a service that closely resonates with everyday people; therefore, ensuring convenient accessibility to this service and providing trustworthy advisory recommendations are our primary focuses at this stage. Consequently, from the outset, we have been committed to recruiting top talent from the internet, consumer market, and healthcare sectors. We are now proud to have onboarded three executives with impressive career trajectories and a profound passion for the genetic testing industry. We are highly optimistic about the future of Yuan Gene and hope it will bring positive impacts to millions of users in China in the near future.”

Mr. Danny Yeung, CEO and Co-founder of Prenetics, stated, “Having a management team with broad vision, extensive experience, and keen insight is crucial for any enterprise. I am highly satisfied with this management team and would like to express my gratitude to them. By the end of the second quarter, we aim to launch an industry-leading, comprehensive consumer-grade genetic testing platform powered by gene sequencing technology. I look forward to working closely with Mr. Yan Jun and other founding team members as we embark on a new journey that will be both memorable and proud.”

Berry Genomics (Stock Code: SZ000710), established in May 2010, is an innovative biotechnology company in China dedicated to translating genetic testing technologies into clinical applications, and a pioneer in the Chinese genomics industry. Berry Genomics has not only taken the lead in successfully promoting genetic testing as an essential clinical screening method across China but has also garnered significant recognition from the academic community and clinical experts. The company has consistently maintained its investment in research and development, striving to provide clinical solutions for detecting a broader range of diseases. Berry Genomics’ mission is to serve society and benefit humanity through continuously innovative genetic technologies.

Berry Genomics is headquartered in Beijing, with medical laboratories established in eight cities and a production base in Hangzhou. It also founded Xcelom (Hong Kong Yasneng Gene Technology Co., Ltd.) in Hong Kong. Its market network covers more than 2,000 hospitals across over 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. The company was successfully listed on the Main Board of China’s A-share market in August 2017.

Prenetics is a global leader in genetic testing and digital healthcare. The company has over 120 employees across eight offices in Asia, Europe, and South Africa.

Prenetics is committed to providing users with personalized predictive and preventive health solutions through cutting-edge, validated DNA and mobile technology innovations, helping people lead healthier and more active lives. Backed by over $50 million in strategic investment and support from world-class enterprises such as Alibaba and Ping An of China, Prenetics is helping millions of people live healthier lives.

* Craig, Wylie. The Advent of Consumer Owned Genetic Profiles. Arthur D. Little, 2017. http://www.adlittle.us/sites/default/files/viewpoints/adl_the_advent_of_consumer_owned_genetic_profiles.pdf