US-based executive takes over on 17 August 2026
PainChek Ltd has appointed Karen Holzberger as chief executive officer from 17 August 2026, as the ASX-listed company pushes deeper into the US market after FDA De Novo clearance in 2025.
The appointment follows the board’s 6 July 2026 announcement that Mr Daffas had departed as CEO. Andy Hoggan, who has served as interim CEO since 6 July 2026, will return to his chief operating officer role on 17 August 2026.
PainChek develops what it describes as the world’s first AI-powered pain assessment and monitoring application. The company said Holzberger’s appointment supports its growth plans in the United States.
Holzberger is based in the United States and brings 26 years of healthcare leadership experience. Her background spans early-stage businesses and large international medtech companies, with a focus on revenue growth and strategy.
Most recently, she led SpinTech MRI as president and chief executive officer. The US company develops the FDA-cleared STAGE MRI imaging platform for neurosurgery workflow, efficiency, throughput and diagnostic decision-making through advanced MRI software.
Earlier, Holzberger held senior leadership roles at Nuance Healthcare before Microsoft’s 2022 acquisition of Nuance Communications for about US$19.7 billion. She served as senior vice president and general manager of Nuance Healthcare’s Diagnostic Division.
In that role, she oversaw diagnostic imaging solutions and advanced adoption of AI-enabled tools in radiology workflows. Earlier in her career, she was vice president and general manager of GE Global Radiology Workflow at GE Healthcare.
At GE Healthcare, Holzberger handled service, implementation and product management for mission-critical healthcare IT software. She holds a B.S. In Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in the United States.
Sabra Health Care REIT agreement
Meanwhile, PainChek has been building momentum in the US since its FDA De Novo clearance in 2025. The company has a Master Services Agreement with Nasdaq-listed Sabra Health Care REIT covering up to 20,000 beds, and initial deployments are underway.
That US push adds to continued growth in PainChek’s established UK and ANZ markets. Holzberger will focus on commercial outcomes, building the customer base in North America and expanding in Australia and the UK.
Holzberger said: “I am excited to join PainChek as CEO. My focus will be on commercial outcomes, building the customer base in North America and expanding in Australia and the UK. I look forward to working with the team and Board to deliver our strategy.”
PainChek chair Lil Bianchi linked the appointment to the company’s next growth phase as it expands in the US following FDA De Novo clearance in 2025.
