A year of transformation and impact

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Allison Rossiter reflects on her first year as CEO at Genetic Signatures

Just over a year ago, Allison Rossiter stepped into the role of CEO at Genetic Signatures, leaving behind the structure and scale of Roche to lead a smaller, purpose-driven organisation. It was a bold move, and one that would both challenge, and inspire her.

“I knew it would be different,” she reflects. “But I didn’t appreciate just how different! In a large, multinational company, policies, funding, and resources are abundant. There is a vast ecosystem of support.” Moving from a large organisation to a small one was “a big eye opener” for Ali. “In many ways, smaller means bigger,” she continues.


		❝There’s more responsibility. I am the one who faces the market. There’s no buffer, no layers between me and the decisions. It’s just me, and I really like that challenge. I came here to transform a company without the safety net of a big organisation behind me. I came to make an impact, to change lives.❞

Achieving More with Less: Redefining Success

Looking back, Ali reflects on what success has meant to her over the past year. Working with tighter constraints, she says, has fuelled creativity and resilience across the organisation, fostering agility, innovation, and the need to think differently.

“It forces us to be more resourceful with our time and energy,” she explains. “We do things on the sniff of an oily rag – and we do a great job.”

“Of course, revenue matters, and our goals appropriately reflect that. But success also means having a purpose – the reason we come to work. I have chosen a career in healthcare because making a real difference to the lives of others is what drives me. At Genetic Signatures our mission is to empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, improve patient outcomes, and build trust in every treatment journey. When we’re doing that every day, that is success in my eyes – and revenue follows.”

Her first year has brought significant change – operationally, culturally and commercially. “Change is scary for many,” she admits. “Even when people say they love it, it’s hard. We’ve made tough decisions, some of which affected long-standing team members when we restructured the Company. It is hard to say goodbye, but we needed new skills to drive us forward – and we’re stronger for it now. We have just delivered our best quarter since I joined Genetic Signatures!”

Commercially, the company has retained and grown its Australian business, signed its first three US contracts, and built strong momentum in the UK sales pipeline. The future direction is clear, strengthened by recently announced strategic partnerships with Tecan and Repado to develop fully automated, sample-to-answer infectious disease testing platforms. These collaborations represent a major step toward delivering scalable, efficient diagnostics and driving the next phase of innovation.

❝We’ve got a plan for the future –
and we’re rallying around it.❞

Leading with Courage and Integrity

Throughout the year, Ali’s leadership has remained anchored in two unwavering values: courageous authenticity and integrity. “I feel physically hurt if I go against those values,” she says. “I expect everyone to be their true selves. If something goes wrong, own it. If it goes right, celebrate it. We’re one team. We’re not in competition with each other.”

Ali’s approach has fostered a culture of openness, accountability, and mutual support. Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, not reasons for blame. “I’m not perfect,” she says. “I make mistakes too. It’s about looking in the mirror, owning it and doing better next time. We all have tough days. At Genetic Signatures I feel like someone’s always got your back. That’s the culture I want to further drive – a place where we can be the best version of ourselves.”

Another key measure of success for Ali is cultivating a culture of tenacity and transformation. “I want an organisation where it’s not necessarily easy, but when you achieve your goal, you feel proud. You feel good. That matters to me.”

She’s worked hard to redefine and embed the Company’s values into everyday culture – Be Bold, Be One, and Own It. Breaking down silos, building unity, and expanding communication have been top priorities. “We’re a small company, but silos did exist,” Ali says. “We’ve worked hard to make everyone feel part of something bigger, united by a common purpose to change lives.”

Moments That Matter

For Ali, the most powerful moments have not come from boardroom wins, but from real-world impact. “One standout moment for me was hearing directly from a Lab Manager in the UK that our test was a game changer and it had prevented many ward closures in a leading hospital,” she recalls. “I’m from the UK – I know the pressure the NHS is under. Knowing our work keeps beds open for people who need them … that gave me goosebumps.”

She’s equally inspired by her team. “When I see our people hit a deadline, solve a problem, or just hear laughter in the office, it fills my cup.”

A highlight of the year, she adds, was the Company’s global kick-off meeting in July 2025, where teams from three continents came together as one, for the first time. “We built relationships, friendships, and trust. We shared stories of success, tenacity, and resilience. That connection will carry us through whatever comes next.”

She recalls one moment in particular that stood out – the team’s “moon shot” session. “Everyone came together with bold, creative ideas, and what they delivered in such a short time was mind-blowing. It showed me just how courageous and innovative our people truly are when they have freedom and space to think, work together and be themselves.”

Looking Forward, Standing Proud

As Ali reflects on the year gone by, she can describe the journey in one word: proud.

“It’s been a real step out of my comfort zone,” she says. “I came here to make a difference. I get to do that every day with a passionate team, customers who believe in us, and a product that truly changes lives.”

With our transformation underway, values lived, and purpose driving every decision, Allison Rossiter’s first year as CEO has set the stage for a future defined by bold ideas, shared success, and meaningful impact. The Genetic Signatures team cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings.

Congratulations on your first year, Ali!