Aurora bolsters board

3D printing company Aurora Labs has strengthened its board, announcing the appointments of non-executive chairman Paul Kristensen and director Mel Ashton effective today.

Mr Kristensen will replace managing director David Budge, who was interim chairman after Samantha Tough resigned in July to work for the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

As the owner and chairman of Capital Technologies, Mr Kristensen has extensive experience and involvement in managing technology companies including former automated ticketing firm ERG, Kinetic Suspension Systems and Structural Monitoring Systems.

Mr Kristensen said it was an honour to join the company as chairman.

“Aurora Labs has been on my radar as an extremely promising venture for some years, from both a technology and investment point of view,” he said.

“With my appointment, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to contribute to the accelerated growth and commercialisation of Aurora’s exceptional technology.”

Mr Ashton specialises in corporate restructuring and finance and has previously worked as chairman of IT company Empired and Gryphon Minerals.

He is currently independent chair of the finance audit and risk committee at Western Australia-based property company Hawaiian Group and chairs the board of Venture Minerals.

Mr Ashton said he was pleased to be appointed to the board at Aurora.

Mr Budge welcomed the two new appointments.

“It is fortunate that our leadership in advanced technology 3D printing systems attracts people of Paul and Mel’s high-calibre background,” he said.

“Paul is well known and respected as an investor, entrepreneur and technology expert and he has held directorships in a long list of R&D and IP based technology ventures.

“He brings a wealth of experience that will help Aurora in realising its aim to become an international industry leader in 3D printing technology.

“Mel has precisely the mix of additional skills the company needs.

“He has an extremely strong financial background, which combined with his technology expertise as former chairman of ASX listed Empired, I am certain will provide significant increased value as we execute on our commercialisation plan.”