Leadership & Governance
Founder-led since 2004, independently owned since 2019.
NeuroNexus is privately held and founder-led — the people who built the silicon-probe field still run it, backed by experienced medtech leadership. Ownership and governance sit with the NEL Group, keeping decisions independent and long-horizon.
Executive Team & Founders
Daryl R. Kipke
Founder & CEO
Ph.D., University of MichiganDr. Daryl R. Kipke co-founded NeuroNexus in 2004 to commercialize the silicon neural probe developed at the University of Michigan, where he was Professor of Biomedical Engineering. A serial neurotechnology entrepreneur, he has founded three companies and taken two to acquisition: Neural Intervention Technologies (W.L. Gore) and NeuroNexus (Integer, 2012). In 2019 he formed the NEL Group to buy NeuroNexus back, returning it to the independent, founder-led company he leads today, and brought on veteran medtech CEO Tom Hook as partner and fellow director. He brings more than 30 years in neurotechnology, 200+ publications, and is a Fellow of the AIMBE.
Rio Vetter
Co-Founder, COO & CTO
Ph.D., University of MichiganSince co-founding NeuroNexus in 2004, Dr. Rio Vetter has established himself as an accomplished executive and inspiring leader. Responsible for planning and directing all aspects of NeuroNexus' technical infrastructure, Dr. Vetter's strategic vision blends science, technology, and innovation with the commercial interests of the company. With technical experience in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, electronic systems, and software signal processing algorithms that interface with the nervous/cardiac systems, Dr. Vetter understands the demands of the industry. He orchestrates the objectives of different groups to create a cohesive technology pipeline that starts with research and ends with the manufacturing of innovative, sellable products. Dr. Vetter has a BSE and MSE in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. His research has led to the creation of 30+ patents and numerous scientific publications.
Jamille Hetke
Co-Founder, VP of Engineering
M.S.; AIMBE FellowOne of NeuroNexus's co-founders, Jamille Hetke brings extensive experience in neural probe design, MEMS processing, and advanced packaging to her current role as VP of Engineering. The lead engineer of neural interface projects and chief designer of neural probes, she is actively involved with product development, executive management, and the exploration of new business opportunities. Ms. Hetke's neural probe journey began at the University of Michigan, where she served on the Michigan Probe development team for over two decades. She received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University and an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. A fellow in the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Ms. Hetke is recognized as a leader in her field — her work has resulted in over 25 patents and numerous scientific publications.
Timeline
From founding to acquisition to independence
01.
2004 — Founded
Spun out of the University of Michigan to commercialize the silicon Michigan probe.
02.
2012 — Acquired by Integer
Joined Integer (Greatbatch); scaled manufacturing, quality systems, and global reach.
03.
2019 — Independent Again
Founders and Tom Hook re-acquired NeuroNexus through the NEL Group.
04.
Today — Founder-Led
Privately held, founder-led; innovation programs now reaching the market.
Governance & Ownership
01.
Sole Ownership
NEL Group, Inc. wholly owns NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc.
02.
Shared Board
Daryl Kipke and Tom Hook are Directors of both NEL Group and NeuroNexus.
03.
Independent Since 2019
Re-acquired from Integer to restore founder-led decision-making.
NEL Group & NeuroNexus Board of Directors
Daryl R. Kipke
Director, NEL Group & NeuroNexus
Founder and CEO of NeuroNexus and a serial neurotechnology entrepreneur. Formed the NEL Group in 2019 to re-acquire the company and lead it independently.
Thomas J. Hook
Director, NEL Group & NeuroNexus
Thomas J. Hook is a Director of the NEL Group and NeuroNexus. Mr. Hook is currently the President and CEO of Barnes, a global leader in highly-engineered precision products, systems and solutions in healthcare, automation, mobility, packaging, and advanced manufacturing. Mr. Hook previously served as CEO and Director of SaniSure, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of single-use systems and components for drug and vaccine manufacturing and other biotech applications. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Q Holding Company and President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Integer (formerly Greatbatch), and previously held leadership positions at CTI Molecular Imaging and General Electric Medical Systems. His prior experience also includes service as Chairman of the Board and member of the Executive Committee of HealthNow New York, Inc., and as a Director of Tactiva Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Hook started his career as a Nuclear Engineer in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Hook holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University, a Master's degree in Chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from St. Bonaventure University.