DICK Milliken is stepping down as chair of innovation body Catalyst after seven years leading its board, and will be replaced by former banker Ellvena Graham.
A director since 2010, his tenure as chair saw the organisation implement ambitious growth plans and rebrand from the NI Science Park to Catalyst to reflect its role developing tech and knowledge-based businesses.
During this period new development in Belfast and the opening of the Fort George site in Derry saw the doubling of workspace provision.
Catalyst chief executive Steve Orr paid thanked Dick for his immense contribution to the development of the we have developed to help create the environment our entrepreneurial businesses need to thrive.”
Dick said: “I'm proud of the work that has been done at Catalyst to find and nurture talent across Northern Ireland through the expansion of exciting programmes such as Invent.
“I have always believed my generation’s role is to support and lay the groundwork for the next generation of young entrepreneurs and through initiatives like Invent we have helped to raise aspirations and shape Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial culture for the future.
“But there is still much to be done to ensure there is a clear understanding of the contribution innovation-based businesses can make to future economic growth if entrepreneurs are supported to reach their full potential.”
He congratulated his successor as chair, Ellvena Graham, who will be joined on the board by new non-executive directors Gerry Kindlon and Neil Crockett, both experienced tech industry leaders.
He said: “I have no doubt Ellvena's experience and knowledge of the Northern Ireland economy will be invaluable as Catalyst moves into the next phase of its development.”
Ms Graham is the former head of Ulster Bank and current chair of the NI Economic Advisory Group. A past president of the NI Chamber of Commerce, she is also chair of ICC Belfast and serves on the boards of Queen’s University Belfast and Dale Farm.
Ellvena said: “Catalyst has a major part to play in the recovery and future growth of the Northern Ireland economy. It’s clear to me that growing our indigenous tech sector must be a strategic priority in the next decade, and I look forward to working with Gerry, Neil and the existing board members and senior team to build on the success Catalyst has enjoyed under Dick’s leadership.”
