Meet Our Team.
Meet the in-house team behind your fitness and health DNA reports. With varied backgrounds and expertize, they're joined by a passion for health, fitness, and innovation.
Leadership
Dr. Andrew Vallance-Owen MBE
Chairman
Dr. Andrew Vallance-Owen MBE
Chairman
Dr Vallance-Owen is a trained surgeon, having graduated from Birmingham University with a MBChB in medicine. He held the positions of Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer at BUPA, the UK's largest private healthcare provider, for 17 years and received an MBE in 2014 for services to healthcare.
In addition to his role as Chairman, Andrew is a valuable advisor to and spokesperson for the company.
Dr. Samantha Decombel
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Samantha Decombel
Chief Executive Officer
Co-founder Sam has held the position of CEO since 2020. A native west-midlander, she completed both her BSc and PhD at the University of Birmingham (UK); specializing in Biological Sciences and Genetics respectively.
A mother of two juggling a busy work-life balance, Sam uses her FitnessGenes results to tailor her resistance and cardio workouts when she's not playing for her local netball team.
Dr. Stuart Grice
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Stuart Grice
Chief Scientific Officer
Co-founder Stuart received his PhD in neuroscience from the University of Oxford, before joining the renowned institution's Functional Genomics Department as a post-doctoral researcher.
A former competitive rower and 8-time marathon finisher, Stuart now applies his deep understanding of genomics and complex biological systems to build new solutions for our members and drive the company's scientific vision.
Simon Burns, MEng
Chief Technology Officer
Simon Burns, MEng
Chief Technology Officer
Simon has over 10 years of commercial software development experience in application development, service orientated architecture, and micro services. He is an expert in database design implementation, application architecture and system testing.
Research & Development
Dr. Haran Sivapalan
Senior Scientific Researcher
Dr. Haran Sivapalan
Senior Scientific Researcher
A qualified doctor having attained full GMC registration in 2013, Haran also holds a first-class degree in Experimental Psychology (MA (Cantab)) from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in the philosophy of cognitive science from the University of Edinburgh.
Haran is a keen runner and has successfully completed a sub-3-hour marathon during his time at FitnessGenes.
Geraldine Campbell, MSc
Product Lead
Geraldine Campbell, MSc
Product Lead
After originally joining the company as an intern, Geraldine has progressed through the science team to now oversee all new research and releases. In addition to her MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Geraldine is a certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM), and is therefore pivotal in the delivery of recommendations.
A keen footballer and gym-goer, Geraldine likes to balance her active lifestyle with her love of food.
Dr. Nathan West
Senior Software Engineer
Dr. Nathan West
Senior Software Engineer
Nathan received his PhD in Biological & Bioprocess Engineering from the University of Sheffield in 2015 before joining the FitnessGenes science team as a Researcher.
In 2019 he took up a role in our Technology team. His prior science experience helps bridge the gap between the Science and Technology Teams.
Dr. Olatz Mompeo-Masachs
Senior Bioinformatician
Dr. Olatz Mompeo-Masachs
Senior Bioinformatician
Olatz is a Geneticist with a particular interest in nature, nurture, and how they interact to shape our health. She completed her PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, where she explored the relationship between genetics, diet, and gut microbiota.
A former member of the Spanish U21 track team, Olatz is fascinated by what makes each of us unique and applies her expertise to help develop a better understanding of ourselves.
Kelsey Brown, BSc
Scientific Researcher
Kelsey Brown, BSc
Scientific Researcher
Kelsey Brown holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science (University of Winchester) and works as a part of the science team, carrying out research for trait and action creation and blog content.
She plays netball for her local team and after enjoying learning her wedding dance so much has started Latin and Ballroom dance classes with her husband.
Customer Support & Services
Alex Auld
Customer Communications
Alex Auld
Customer Commications
One of FitnessGenes' first full-time employees, Alex rejoined the company in 2021 after completing his MA in Global Communications at the University of London. He now oversees all customer communications, helping to ensure that our members get the most from their results.
An accomplished triathlete, you can expect to find him in the pool, on the bike, or running laps of his local park most weekends.
Carrie-Anne Kerciku
Customer Support Manager
Carrie-Anne Kerciku
Customer Service Manager
Carrie is, more often than not, the first port of call for any customers looking for assistance. A hugely experienced team member with vast company and industry knowledge, Carrie holds the team to the standard of complete customer satisfaction at all times.
Outside of office hours Carrie likes to unwind and give her happiness hormones a boost with a variety of high-energy and sweat-inducing exercise classes.
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