The UK Science Park Association has appointed John Leake (pictured above, left) as its new chairman. He takes over from Patrick Bonnett (right), who has held the position since early 2021.
Leake has sat on the board since October 2018, while more recently he has served as the association’s company secretary and honorary treasurer. Graham Hewson, head of incubation at Imperial White City Incubator, has been appointed as the new company secretary and honorary treasurer.
Leake’s priorities in the new role will include building a broader research base for UKSPA, to capture the data and evidence required to demonstrate the importance and benefit of science parks and innovation locations to the UK economy, as well as continuing the work to drive greater equality, diversity and inclusivity within both the UKSPA board and the wider management and operations of science park ecosystems.
Leake said: “We have some great opportunities to ensure that policymakers and influencers fully understand and support the significant role that UKSPA member locations play in building a stronger UK innovation ecosystem, and I’m relishing the challenge to make significant progress here.”
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