Brian Hartnett is Managing Director of Tasmanian Alkaloids Pty Ltd at Westbury and has held the position since January 1996. With almost 40 years experience in the Pharmaceutical industry, he has held a variety of roles in several companies in UK and Australia.

Tasmanian Alkaloids is the world's leading medicinal opiates company and is a significant innovator through its continued investment in research and development in Tasmania. The company received the Silver Award of Australian Business Excellence and the Medal for 2005 and is a significant employer of UTAS graduates.

Brian is originally from the UK where he graduated in Chemistry from Exeter University before setting out to develop a career in the Pharmaceutical industry including Business Administration at Manchester Business School.

A strong believer in the value of all types of education, he has a keen interest in a wide range of sciences and economics. Contacts with UTAS are at several levels including scholarships, support for research, visiting lecturers and collaborative programs. Brian is also a Director of the University Foundation.