For years, MoleMap had all the right ingredients for success – world-class clinical expertise, a loyal patient base and a history of innovation. Yet somewhere along the way, momentum slowed and growth plateaued.

When Michelle Aquilina stepped in as CEO of Molemap Australia and New Zealand in 2021, she saw something others didn’t: untapped potential. Her vision went far beyond routine skin checks and clinics. She imagined a future where MoleMap would redefine how early detection and prevention are delivered across Australia and New Zealand.

“I’m proud to see the impact of grit, determination and bold, courageous decision-making, transforming MoleMap into an innovative leader in skin cancer care,” Aquilina tells The CEO Magazine. 

“What began as a company struggling with its identity and performance has now evolved into a market leader.”

Transforming skin cancer care

The company’s transformation began with tough questions: What’s holding us back? Where are we best positioned to lead? And how do we deliver real, measurable impact?

Aquilina and her team revisited every aspect of the business – from its clinical model to its consumer experience – and set out to rebuild MoleMap Australia and New Zealand as an integrated, technology-enabled healthcare provider.

The result is a company that’s scaling fast while helping to reshape how Australians and New Zealanders access lifesaving care. It has also led to Aquilina being honored as Highly Commended CEO of the Year and Runner-Up Healthcare Executive of the Year at The CEO Magazine’s 2025 Executive of the Year Awards.

“What excites me most is not only our continued rapid growth but also our ability to sustain exponential progress in a volatile economic environment while continuing to innovate and deliver meaningful impact,” she reveals.

While many organizations continue to grapple with the rise of AI and digital health, MoleMap Australia and New Zealand has seized the opportunity to lead.

“MoleMap has established itself at the forefront of innovation and is shaping the future of healthcare,” Aquilina says.

That innovation is anchored in the company’s integrated model of care, which connects specially trained nurses, general practitioners (GPs) and dermatologists through a digital platform that includes telehealth, AI and evidence-based research. MoleMap’s diagnostic support technology Kahu AI, she says, is already delivering greater accuracy in the early detection of melanoma, while clinical trials in genomic testing are paving the way for even greater personalized patient care.

“Our next leap is at-home lesion monitoring with specialist diagnosis, removing the equity and access barrier and putting lifesaving skin checks in the hands of people everywhere,” she says.

“This is how we’re redefining early detection. This is how we lead.”

Meeting a growing demand

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two-in-three people expected to develop some form in their lifetime. And tragically, research shows that, every six hours, an Australian dies from melanoma. Yet despite these sobering statistics, there remain significant barriers to accessing dermatological expertise.

“The healthcare industry is being shaped by rapid technological advancement, GP and dermatologist shortages and an urgent need for early cancer detection solutions,” Aquilina explains. “MoleMap has responded by creating and leading a scalable, integrated model of care.”

That model not only expands patient access but strengthens the healthcare system itself.

“Through government advocacy, strategic partnerships and community engagement, MoleMap Australia and New Zealand is shaping the broader healthcare ecosystem, influencing policy to aid equitable access in early detection services,” she says.

The results speak for themselves. Over the past three years, the company has tripled its patient numbers in Australia, expanded its clinical network by more than 30 percent and achieved a 25 percent compound annual growth rate. Revenue has also risen by more than 96 percent during Aquilina’s tenure, far outpacing the broader industry.

But the achievement Aquilina says she values most is impact.

“Every day, I get to drive impact that truly matters and see lives changed through our skin cancer services,” she says with a smile. “I love turning vision into action that has a tangible impact, pushing boundaries and building a healthcare model that saves lives.”

A competitive advantage

The same care she brings to her role is witnessed in her leadership style. Aquilina understands the power of listening – a perspective shaped by her own experience working across every level of an organization.

“I have a deep appreciation for people and the importance of connectedness, engagement and ensuring everyone has a voice,” she says.

“I remember firsthand how it feels when you’re not heard. Although it was a long time ago now, you never forget your grassroots.”

Her background has helped shape MoleMap Australia and New Zealand’s culture into one defined by transparency, trust and a shared purpose.

“Our employee engagement reflects this culture and drives everything we do, from innovation to patient care and to the needs of our people,” she explains.

To support her team, Aquilina has introduced several initiatives designed to promote wellbeing and growth.

“Our latest, a bespoke wellness program, is available to any employee who wishes to participate,” she says.

“From yoga and mindfulness activities to expert-designed meal plans and personalized gym routines, it was important to ensure every team member’s unique needs were considered while promoting good health.”

Alongside this initiative sits the company’s Voice of Employee system, regular conferences and open feedback channels, which create a loop of listening and improvement that strengthens both culture and strategy. The result? The highest retention rates to date and a team deeply aligned with its purpose.

“This investment in culture has created an environment where talent thrives, patients receive world-class care and MoleMap continues to evolve and grow sustainably,” Aquilina confirms.

Shaping the future

With a strong internal culture as the foundation, Aquilina’s focus now turns to the broader impact of MoleMap Australia and New Zealand’s mission. For her, leadership is just as much about legacy as it is about outcomes.

“My hope for the future of skin cancer care is that it evolves into a system where early detection is the norm, equitable access is guaranteed and technology and human expertise work hand in hand to save lives,” she says.

That vision is already taking shape. The company recently appointed its first Head of AI – a move that cements its commitment to scaling innovation responsibly.

“It also reflects my commitment to pushing boundaries, prioritizing clinical outcomes and scaling support functions,” Aquilina explains.

“I take measured risks and have made bold and courageous moves for the betterment of MoleMap – moves that have proven successful, all while keeping people at the heart of every decision.”

Clarity, she adds, is equally vital.

“I’m intentional about aligning everyone around a shared vision and strategy, defining clear roles and responsibilities and establishing an aligned cadence so the whole organization moves forward together,” she notes.

And if there’s one lesson that’s stayed with her, it’s the value of presence.

“Whatever you’re doing, give it all your attention,” she insists. “Prioritize what you’re going to do carefully, and then be in the moment.”

As for Aquilina, her attention is firmly on MoleMap Australia and New Zealand setting the global benchmark for equitable, technology-enabled skin cancer care.

“Ultimately, I want MoleMap to stand as proof that innovation, responsibility and purpose can reshape our healthcare for the better,” she says.

“We’re creating a sustainable skincare ecosystem where prevention and early detection are accessible to all Australians and New Zealanders.”