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20 October 2026  

MastaPlex (Dunedin, NZ) today announced the appointment of Dr Matt Dobbs as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 1 October 2026. 

Based in the United Kingdom, Dr Dobbs (BVM&S, Cert CHP, GDipLaw) brings significant experience as a dairy veterinarian, entrepreneur, business leader and company director, with a proven track record of building and scaling businesses across the UK, Europe and international markets. 

His appointment comes as MastaPlex continues its global expansion, with the company's Mastatest on-farm mastitis diagnostic platform now supporting well over 3000 dairy farm clients and 1,000 veterinary clinics worldwide. The technology is used in herds representing more than 1.6 million dairy cows. International markets now account for more than 50% of all testing activity, reflecting the company's growing footprint beyond New Zealand. 

Board Chair Dr Ben Russell said Dr Dobbs' appointment would strengthen the Board's capability as the company enters its next phase of international growth. 

"We are delighted to welcome Matt to the MastaPlex Board and are excited to incorporate his extensive veterinary, commercial and governance capabilities into our strategy and decision-making." 

"Matt's experience building businesses and commercialising innovations across the UK, Europe and other international markets will be invaluable as we continue expanding our presence and impact globally." 

Dr Russell also acknowledged the significant contribution of outgoing director Matt Comer, who resigned from the Board effective 28 September 2026. 

"Matt Comer has served as a director since 2022 and has contributed strongly to MastaPlex during a critical period of growth and development for the company." 

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Matt for his commitment, insight and support of MastaPlex's governance and growth journey. We wish him every success for the future." 

MastaPlex Chief Executive Olaf Bork said the appointment reflects the company's increasingly international focus. 

"MastaPlex has evolved from a New Zealand focussed start-up into a global  technology business. Today, more than half of all Mastatest usage occurs outside New Zealand, and we are seeing strong growth in the key regions of the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and South America." 

"It is important that our Board reflects the markets we serve and the opportunities ahead. Matt's experience in international Agritech business experience makes him an outstanding addition to our governance team." 

"His understanding of how to successfully scale businesses and create value in multiple international markets will help guide the next chapter of growth for MastaPlex." 

Dr Dobbs said he was excited to join the Board at a pivotal time for the company. 

"MastaPlex is addressing a major global challenge for dairy producers and veterinarians. The Mastatest technology is uniquely positioned to guide better mastitis treatment decisions, improve on-farm productivity and enable responsible antimicrobial stewardship." 

"I am delighted to join the Board, and look forward to working with Olaf, Ben, and Karl to help accelerate the company's expansion and further strengthen its value proposition for veterinarians and dairy farmers around the world." 

ENDS