THE north’s science and technology hub Catalyst has appointed Digital Catapult founder Neil Crockett as its new chairman.
The Co Tyrone native succeeds Ellvena Graham, who has stepped down from the role after four years.
Mr Crockett, who is currently deputy chair, has been on the board of the non-profit innovation body for the past four years.
His lengthy career in the tech industry includes senior roles at Cisco and most recently as the chief digital officer at Rolls-Royce.
In 2013 he was the founding CEO of Digital Catapult, the UK-wide not-for-profit tech innovation organisation.
He has also sat on the board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Steering Group and the Matrix NI Digital ICT panel.
“Having been involved in the local innovation ecosystem for over a decade, I’m delighted to be taking over as chairman of Catalyst at this exciting, pivotal time in its evolution,” he said.
“The goals set out last month in a new strategy developed in collaboration with our partners are far reaching – to make us one of the top three areas of the UK for innovation driven enterprises and to make entrepreneurship accessible to everyone here, from all communities, by 2035.
“We have an opportunity to transform NI’s entrepreneurial landscape and I look forward to helping drive that transformation as chairman.”
Outgoing chair Ellvena Graham said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Catalyst and am very proud of what has been achieved during my tenure, including the launch of our inclusive innovation strategy, the Stryve and Role Models programmes, and the launch of our new goals to 2035.
“I wish Neil the very best as he leads the Catalyst board into an important new phase for the organisation.
“He has a rich mix of global and UK business operational experience and skills which will no doubt be invaluable to Catalyst as it enters this new chapter.”
