AberInnovation has strengthened its Board with the appointment of two experienced leaders from the UK’s entrepreneurship and innovation landscape: entrepreneur and Caleño Drinks Founder Ellie Webb, and Stella Peace, former Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK.
The appointments come at an important stage in AberInnovation’s development following a year of growth ahead of plan and increasing demand for its specialist R&D facilities, innovation support and industry partnerships.
Bringing extensive experience across entrepreneurship, R&D, commercialisation and innovation policy, Ellie and Stella will provide strategic insight as AberInnovation continues to expand its role in supporting innovative bio-based businesses and research collaborations from the Gogerddan Campus at Aberystwyth University, Mid Wales.
Strengthening a thriving innovation ecosystem
AberInnovation’s continued growth reflects increasing demand from businesses for access to specialist technical facilities and expertise that can help them develop, test and scale new products and processes.
It’s pilot-scale R&D facilities provide a vital bridge between laboratory research and commercial production, supporting companies working across bioscience, biotechnology, food & drink, agri-tech and the circular economy.
The new appointments will further strengthen the organisation’s governance and strategic expertise at it looks to support more businesses, research collaborations and routes to commercialisation in the years ahead.
AberInnovation also plays an important role in translating the research strengths of Aberystwyth University into commercial and economic impact, creating opportunities for researchers and businesses to work together to develop and bring innovative technologies to market.
Dr Rhian Hayward MBE, CEO AberInnovation, said: “Ellie and Stella bring exceptional experience and vision. Their leadership will help us build on a year of strong growth, strengthen our knowledge capabilities, and accelerate our ambition to make AberInnovation at Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan Campus, a national hub for bioscience innovation and commercialisation.”
Experience from entrepreneurship and national innovation leadership
Ellie Webb founder of Caleño Drinks brings first-hand experience of building and scaling an innovative consumer brand. Her experience spans product development, market entry, brand building and entrepreneurship, providing valuable insight for the businesses and founders supported by AberInnovation.
Ellie Webb, non‑Executive Director, said: “AberInnovation is creating the conditions for breakthrough ideas to become market-ready products. I’m excited to support entrepreneurs and innovators who are shaping the future of bioscience.”
Stella Peace has held senior leadership roles at Innovate UK, shaping national R&D strategies and supporting businesses across the UK’s innovation economy. Her experience of R&D strategy and innovation funding will support AberInnovation as is strengthens connections between research, industry and economic impact.
Stella Peace, non‑Executive Director, said: “AberInnovation has an important role to play in turning research and innovation into real-world impact and business growth. I am looking forward to bringing my experience of innovation, R&D and commercialisation to the Board, getting to know the businesses, researchers and partners across the community, and working with the team to help realise AberInnovation’s potential and contribution to the region and beyond.
The appointments also add to the growing representation of women in senior leadership across the UK’s innovation landscape, providing further experience and perspectives to AberInnovation’s Board as it enters its next phase of growth.
