1 May 2023
Malaghan Institute Trustee of more than 30 years John Beattie died on 22 April 2023, surrounded by his family.
As an executive of Brierley Investments Limited, John was integral in helping resuscitate the Malaghan Institute following the stock market crash in 1987, helping pull together a rescue package designed to financially underpin the institute and widen its support in the community. As part of this, Brierley Investments made a commitment to sponsor the institute for five years, but did so for many more.
A new constitution was also approved and the new Chairman, Graham Malaghan, appointed new Trustees, including John.
Malaghan Trustee Sir Paul Collins was CEO of Brierley Investments at the time and said the company was delighted to support John when he was invited to become a Trustee. “Just as important, he convinced me (not that it was a hard sell) to continue with our financial support of the Malaghan.”
John Beattie at the Malaghan Institute's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2016
John remained as a Trustee for 32 years, playing significant roles within the Board and as Director of Malcorp Biodiscoveries Limited, a subsidiary of the Malaghan Institute, and of Wellington Zhaotai Therapies Limited, a joint venture between the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Hunan Zhaotai Medical Group to advance CAR T and other cell therapies.
Mike Zablocki, General Manager of the Malaghan Institute says he worked with John through Malcorp Biodiscoveries, looking to translate Malaghan research into improved health outcomes for New Zealand.
“The most significant example of this was with Wellington Zhaotai Therapies. John was totally passionate about creating better opportunities in healthcare through research. Despite his long tenure, he could always be relied upon for creative and fresh thinking and for grasping any opportunity for the institute that arose. His energy and commitment will be sorely missed.”