Dr. Ivan Trifunovic is a proven leader in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, with extensive experience in executive management and strategic consulting for multinational corporations. He specializes in drug development, marketing, genetic technologies, and diagnostic tests. Dr. Trifunovic has successfully led public companies as President and CEO, overseeing financing and IPOs, and has developed expertise in Asian-Pacific business practices, building a robust network during his time in Japan.

He co-founded the biotech startup Dren Bio in San Francisco. Previously, as CEO, President, and Chairman of Wafergen Bio-Systems, Inc., he transformed the company’s performance, led its NASDAQ IPO, and facilitated its acquisition by Japan’s Takara Bio in 2017. At Third Wave Technologies, Inc., he played a pivotal role as Senior Vice President in driving one of the industry's most successful acquisitions. He founded Third Wave Japan, K.K., secured substantial funding from Japanese partners, and served as its President, working closely with high-ranking government officials, academics, and industry leaders.

Dr. Trifunovic has advised prominent corporations like FujiFilm, guiding their pharmaceutical business strategies and negotiating with the FDA. He developed a commercial strategy for the Asia-Pacific region for the Cologuard® cancer test (Exact Sciences Corp.) and led licensing efforts in Japan for AVI Biopharma (now Sarepta).

Beginning his career in 1992 as a chemist, he quickly advanced to Vice President roles in major pharmaceutical companies. Notably, he contributed to the synthesis of the cancer drug Taxol®, resulting in ten patents. He later served as Marketing Director for Oncology Products at Johnson & Johnson and held senior roles at Pharmacia Corporation.

Dr. Trifunovic holds a Chemistry degree from the University of Belgrade, a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from UCLA, and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He has held academic positions at Columbia and Princeton Universities.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ivan and his wife actively support scientific, educational, and youth programs in Serbia and the U.S. through their private family foundation. In his free time, he enjoys photography and skiing.