Biopool / Xtrana CEO Resigns in Wake of Merger

The chief executive for Biopool International Inc./Xtrana in Ventura has resigned because of philosophical differences with the board after the merger of the two companies.

In the wake of John H. Wheeler’s departure, Timothy J. Dahltorp, the company’s chief financial officer, has been appointed interim chief operating officer.

The board of directors created an executive management committee consisting of board members Michael Bick and James H. Chamberlain, and a search is underway for a president and CEO, officials said.

Wheeler had been Xtrana’s chief executive when the company merged with Biopool in August.

“We are grateful to Jack for his contributions to the founding and building of the Xtrana business, a key component of our future growth strategy,” said Bick, who is board chairman.

Chamberlain founded Biopool in 1987. Until it merged with Xtrana, it mainly sold test kits to assess and diagnose blood disorders.

Since the merger, the company also develops tests for use in drug discovery, detection of environmental and food contaminants, forensics and identity testing, genetic predisposition to disease and other applications.