Connect with us

Technology

Health in Tech Expands Executive Team to Drive Growth and Innovation

Published

on

Dustin Plantholt appointed Chief Growth OfficerChris Kurtenbach appointed Chief Operating Officer(Jonathan) Del Lockett appointed Chief Strategy OfficerJenni Guerrica appointed Chief Information Security Officer

STUART, Fla., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Health In Tech (Nasdaq: HIT), an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced key executive appointments to fuel growth, expand market opportunities, and drive innovation in the self-funded healthcare industry. These executive appointments mark a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its operational capabilities, scale its technology-driven solutions, and reinforce its position as a disruptor in the industry.

“These executive appointments underscore our commitment to driving innovation, enhancing scalability, and accelerating market expansion,” said Tim Johnson, CEO of Health in Tech. “Each of these leaders brings deep expertise and a proven track record in driving business transformation, high-growth strategies, and operational excellence. Their diverse backgrounds in insurtech, underwriting, cybersecurity, and market expansion will elevate our platform, optimize efficiency, and continue to deliver groundbreaking solutions that redefine self-funded healthcare.”

Dustin Plantholt Appointed Chief Growth Officer

Dustin Plantholt has been named Chief Growth Officer, effective March 2025, succeeding Glenn Hillyer, who has been appointed Senior Vice President of Sales Partner Relations.

In this role, Plantholt will lead business expansion, innovation, and strategic partnerships to drive the company’s next phase of growth. With over 20 years of experience in insurance, emerging technology, and media, Plantholt has successfully built, scaled, and exited multiple companies, with a strong focus on sustainability and disruptive innovation.

Plantholt has served as Chief Executive Officer at BlockBuzz Inc., a strategy, media and partnership advisory company, since November 2018. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Life’s Tough Media from July 2019 to June 2023, Senior Editor at Forbes Monaco from September 2021 to February 2023, Executive Vice President at Optimed Health, Inc. from September 2017 to November 2018, and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Evergreen Health, Inc. from October 2016 to September 2017.

Chris Kurtenbach Appointed Chief Operating Officer

Chris Kurtenbach has been appointed as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective March 2025. Kurtenbach previously served as the company’s Senior Vice President of Operations from November 2024 to March 2025. In his new role, he will oversee claims, enrollment, underwriting, data analytics, and operational efficiency. Kurtenbach brings over 30 years of experience in operations, customer service, and process improvement across multiple industries. He has proven track record in building high performing organizations through a “roll-up my sleeves technique,” diving into the details and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the teams, the systems and the processes.

Kurtenbach is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience senior leadership roles leading various product and business functions in diverse companies. Prior to his role at HIT, he served as the VP of Service and Operations at BCS Financial Corporation, a company that provides a wide range of insurance and financial solutions for Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations and commercial partners nationwide, from October 2017 to November 2024, Senior VP at LifeWatch, an ambulatory cardiac monitoring service, from May 2016 to August 2017, and VP of Operation and VP of Business and Product Operations at AIM Specialty Health (now Carelon Medical Benefits Management Inc.), a medical benefits management service, from June 2012 to May 2016.

(Jonathan) Del Lockett Appointed Chief Strategy Officer

Formerly Chief Operating Officer, (Jonathan) Del Lockett is transitioning to Chief Strategy Officer, where he will oversee new business development, SaaS innovation, and market expansion.

As Health in Tech continues to refine its technology-driven offerings, the company is placing a stronger emphasis on long-term business strategy and product innovation. Lockett’s transition into this role reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging his deep industry expertise to drive the next phase of growth. His background in managing general agency (MGA), TPA, and captive health insurance uniquely positions him to identify and implement strategic initiatives that enhance Health in Tech’s market positioning.

Jenni Guerrica Appointed Chief Information Security Officer

Health in Tech is also announcing the promotion of Jenni Guerrica to Chief Information Security Officer, effective March 2025, recognizing her outstanding leadership in cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Jenni Guerrica is an accomplished cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience in the field. Guerrica previously served as the VP of Information Security & Compliance at Health In Tech from October 2022 to March 2025. Prior to that, she served as a Security Architect at Allegiant Air, an airline focused on serving leisure traffic from small and medium-sized cities, from November 2015 to September 2022. In these roles, she gained invaluable expertise in regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. Guerrica’s deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, combined with her ability to design and implement robust security architectures, has enabled her to safeguard complex digital environments while maintaining high standards of compliance.

Use of Forward‑Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech’s possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “design,” “target,” “aim,” “hope,” “expect,” “could,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “goal,” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech’s control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.

About Health In Tech

Health In Tech (Nasdaq: “HIT”) is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, which offers a marketplace that aims to improve processes in the healthcare industry through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By removing friction and complexities, we streamline the underwriting, sales and service process for insurance companies, licensed brokers, and TPAs. Learn more at healthintech.com.

Investor Contact

Investor Relations:
ir@healthintech.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-expands-executive-team-to-drive-growth-and-innovation-302403556.html

SOURCE Health In Tech

Continue Reading

Technology

HiTHIUM Partners with the University of Cambridge to Advance International Industry-Academia Collaboration in Long-Duration Energy Storage

Published

on

By

XIAMEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On November 12, the Global Energy Storage Colloquium was held in Xiamen. During the colloquium, HiTHIUM and the University of Cambridge signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), establishing a strategic partnership. The two parties will collaborate on frontier scientific research, key technology innovation and industrial applications in battery energy storage, bringing academic research into closer alignment with industry needs and exploring new models for international industry-academia collaboration. The partnership aims to contribute to the advancement of global energy storage technology and the industry.

The UK has a strong track record in the development of modern battery technologies and fundamental research. The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities, with internationally recognized expertise in engineering, materials science and fundamental research. As a leading global energy storage technology company, HiTHIUM has long focused on energy storage technology development and commercialization. It continues to advance integrated research and innovation across the value chain, from high-capacity energy storage cells to long-duration energy storage systems and grid integration technologies.

The collaboration is intended to bring internationally leading academic research into closer engagement with innovation across China’s energy storage industry. The University of Cambridge’s strengths in fundamental science, materials research and engineering will offer new perspectives and approaches to key scientific questions and emerging technologies in energy storage. HiTHIUM will bring its experience in long-duration energy storage (LDES), product development and large-scale deployment, connecting research with real industry needs and application scenarios, and supporting the engineering validation and commercialization of research outcomes. By drawing on the strengths of both research and industry, the partnership will strengthen the links between frontier innovation and practical applications.

Under the cooperation plan, the two parties will establish joint management and research collaboration mechanisms, bringing together academic resources and corporate R&D capabilities. They will work together to plan research projects, facilitate scientific exchange and support the translation of research outcomes, strengthening connections between fundamental research, technology development and industrial applications so that innovation in energy storage can better serve industry needs.

The partnership also marks an important step in HiTHIUM’s efforts to expand its international innovation network. Building on this collaboration with the University of Cambridge, HiTHIUM will further strengthen academic exchanges and research partnerships with leading universities and research institutions around the world. By bringing together international research resources and talent, the company aims to encourage collaboration across disciplines and technology fields, explore the development of technologies such as LDES from a global perspective, and bring technical challenges and application needs from the front lines of industry into research and innovation. This will help research and industrial practice reinforce one another.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hithium-partners-with-the-university-of-cambridge-to-advance-international-industry-academia-collaboration-in-long-duration-energy-storage-302939492.html

SOURCE HiTHIUM

Continue Reading

Technology

The NYSE Welcomes vVARDIS as a Publicly Listed Company

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — vVARDIS (NYSE: VVVV) co-founders Dr. Haley Abivardi and Dr. Goly Abivardi aim to reshape the future of dental care with a drill-free treatment for the world’s #1 non-communicable disease: cavities.

vVARDIS Solves a Problem that Millions FaceTooth decay affects billions of people worldwide, and dental anxiety keeps millions from getting the care they need.vVARDIS is a Swiss dental technology company focused on changing the way early tooth decay is treated.vVARDIS has introduced a new approach that aims to treat decay earlier and more comfortably for patients.Its flagship product, Curodont® Repair Fluoride Plus, uses proprietary peptide technology to help repair early-stage tooth decay by supporting the natural remineralization of enamel — simply put No drill, No needle, or No filling.Tooth Decay is One of the Most Common Health Issues in the World2.5 billion people globally live with untreated tooth decay.Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have experienced tooth decay.Nearly 73% of U.S. adults report dental fear.21% avoid the dentist because of anxiety.The Story that Helped Shape vVARDISFor decades, treating early tooth decay often meant waiting until it worsened or getting a filling. The founders spent 25 years developing Curodont® Repair Fluoride Plus, a treatment that helps repair early tooth decay before it becomes a cavity.Curodont® gives dentists a way to treat early decay while making the experience easier and less intimidating for patients.The technology has already treated more than 2.5 million teethAvailable in more than 20% of U.S. dental practices

Click Here to Learn More about vVARDIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1p9hUR5Glk

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-nyse-welcomes-vvardis-as-a-publicly-listed-company-302939487.html

SOURCE New York Stock Exchange

Continue Reading

Technology

Innovative Immunology Biotech Windward Bio Lists on Nasdaq

Published

on

By

SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Windward Bio, a portfolio company of Qiming Venture Partners and a clinical-stage biotechnology company, successfully listed on Nasdaq on November 13, 2026. Windward Bio (Nasdaq: WWB) priced its IPO at $17.00 per share. Its shares closed at $28.50 on the first trading day, up 68% from the IPO price, giving the company a market capitalization of approximately $1.69 billion. This is Qiming Venture Partners’ 11th IPO in 2026.

Qiming Venture Partners invested in Windward Bio’s inaugural Series A financing in 2025 and continued to support the company in its Series B financing in 2026. Qiming also participated in this IPO financing round.

Windward Bio was founded in 2024 with a mission to transform the treatment paradigm for patients living with chronic inflammatory diseases through the development of differentiated biologic therapies targeting clinically validated disease pathways. Led by a team with extensive expertise across discovery, development, and commercialization, Windward Bio is advancing a pipeline of ultra-long-acting antibody medicines to improve clinical outcomes, reduce treatment burden and expand treatment options for patients with serious respiratory and dermatologic diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atopic dermatitis.

Windward Bio’s lead program, WIN378, is a potentially novel anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody engineered for improved potency and extended half-life. WIN378 is currently being evaluated in POLARIS-1, a Phase 2/3 study in severe uncontrolled asthma, and SIRIUS, a Phase 2 study in COPD. The company’s pipeline also includes WIN027, a clinical-stage, long-acting bispecific antibody targeting TSLP and IL-13 with potential applications across multiple inflammatory and immunological diseases. Windward Bio holds exclusive global rights (excluding Greater China and certain Asian countries) to WIN378 through a licensing agreement with Kelun-Biotech and Harbour BioMed, and has separately licensed WIN027 from Qyuns Therapeutics.

“Qiming Venture Partners invests in differentiated, globally competitive biotech innovation designed to address significant unmet needs for patients, and Windward Bio exemplifies this approach. We believe novel, long-acting biologics will reshape the treatment of severe chronic respiratory and skin diseases, and that WIN378 and WIN027 have the potential to expand and meaningfully improve the treatment options available to patients. In the hands of Luca and his team, with their expertise and proven track record, Windward is well-positioned to deliver on this potential, and we look forward to supporting the company through its next phase of growth,” said Alexander Sinclair Wilson, Principal at Qiming Venture Partners.

About Qiming Venture Partners

Qiming Venture Partners was founded in 2006. Currently, Qiming Venture Partners manages eleven US Dollar funds and seven RMB funds with $9.5 billion in capital raised. Since our establishment, we have invested in outstanding companies in the Technology and Healthcare industries at the early and growth stages.

Since our debut, we have backed over 630 fast-growing and innovative companies. Over 290 of our portfolio companies have achieved exits through IPOs at the NYSE, NASDAQ, HKEX, Shanghai Stock Exchange, or Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or through M&A or other means. There are also over 110 portfolio companies that have achieved unicorn or super unicorn status.

Many of our portfolio companies are today’s most influential firms in their respective sectors, including Xiaomi, Meituan, Bilibili, Zhihu, Roborock, Hesai Technology, UBTech, WeRide, HyperStrong, Insta360, Unisound, Biren Technology, Z.AI, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Tigermed, Zai Lab, CanSino Biologics, Schrödinger, APT Medical, Sanyou Medical, AmoyDx, SinocellTech, Insilico Medicine, AusperBio, Yuanxin Technology, Medilink Therapeutics, LaNova Medicines, StepFun, among many others.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovative-immunology-biotech-windward-bio-lists-on-nasdaq-302939481.html

SOURCE Qiming Venture Partners

Continue Reading

Trending