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Don Fox is retiring
as Chief Executive of the University of Southampton Science Park at
the end of March. During his 11 years of leadership the Science Park
has developed from a small operation into one of the area's major
employers, with an impact on the economy of more than GBP 300m.
Following a PhD in
Genetics and several years as an academic, Don became involved in
management at Aberdeen University, where his work had a significant
effect on the University's research income. In 1995 Don moved to
Southampton University as Director of Innovation and Research
Support and was then offered the chance to manage the fledgling
science park at Chilworth.
Early on, Don recognised the potential of the Science Park to grow
into the major site for high tech business in the area. Having
created a strategy to realise that potential, Don has overseen the
construction of seven major buildings. When he took over, the
Science Park had only 20 companies. Now with more than 60 companies
providing over 900 jobs, the Science Park is responsible for
enabling major economic growth. It has an important role in
facilitating business start-ups and getting leading edge technology
out into the market place, thus boosting the economy.
Don says 'I have enjoyed every minute of my 11 years as Chief
Executive and it has been my privilege to know and work with some
very fine people and to see the Park go from strength to strength. I
believe I should now hand over while the Park still has potential
for the next chief executive to take it forward.'
When asked about his plans for retirement Don commented, 'I
intend to take on some new challenges - in particular I'd like to
continue contributing to the local business scene. Also, my
wife, Christine is a flourishing artist, creating abstract
sculptures in stainless steel and we plan to put more effort into
this.'
Speaking on behalf of the University of Southampton, Vice-Chancellor
Bill Wakeham paid tribute to Don saying, 'Don has made an enormous
contribution to the Science Park, turning it into one of the UK's
most successful technology communities. Don's vision and
professionalism have been central to the success of the Science Park
and he can be justly proud of his achievements.'
Peter Birkett has been appointed as the new Chief Executive
of the Science Park. Peter, a physicist, comes to the Science Park
from defence giant QinetiQ after an extensive career in
defence-related research, development and commercialisation. Until
recently, Peter was founding Chief Executive of cueSim Ltd, which
develops a range of advanced flight simulation products. Peter said,
'I am delighted and privileged to be taking over the University
of Southampton Science Park at such a stimulating time. I am really
looking forward to the opportunity to lead the company through an
exciting development programme.'
Science Park Chairman, Alan Walker, comments: 'Under Don Fox's
leadership in the past decade the University of Southampton Science
Park has confirmed its position as the leading science park in the
South of England. In this time it has expanded considerably to
become the thriving science and technology community that it is
today, comprising a wide range of companies from very small
start-ups to major international groups.'
'I would like to thank Don for the tremendous contribution he has
made to the Science Park since 1996, and to welcome Peter to his new
role. We look forward to the park's future success, in particular
the expansion of the Benham Campus, which will provide further
development opportunities for science and technology companies from
both the region and the global community.'
Pictured: L-R: Peter Birkett, the Science Park's new Chief Executive, Bill
Wakeham, Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Don Fox
who has retired as Chief Executive of the Science Park. |
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