After two successful years at the helm of Bruntwood SciTech, chief executive Phil Kemp has announced he will be stepping down from his role at the end of this month to pursue a portfolio career.
Phil will remain with the business in an advisory capacity for a further six months to support the existing leadership team and a process has begun to find a new CEO.
Ahead of their appointment, Kate Lawlor, currently Bruntwood SciTech’s finance director, will take on the role of interim chief operating officer, supported by Chris Oglesby as Bruntwood SciTech’s executive chair
Chris said: “Phil’s departure is a bitter-sweet moment for us.
“He has played such a significant role in the formation and success of Bruntwood SciTech over the last two years, but we are thrilled to be supporting the next phase of his journey as he establishes a portfolio career with a focus on working with social enterprises and business mentoring.
“He leaves Bruntwood SciTech in a fantastic position.
“It remains the UK’s only dedicated science and technology property platform, nurturing a network of thriving innovation districts with a growing reach across the country.
“We’re ready to push on with the next phase of its ambitious plans and look forward to welcoming a new CEO in the months ahead.”
Phil said: “Though it was always my intention to open a new chapter of my working life in 2021, the pandemic created a moment of reflection for me as it has for so many others. I’m grateful to have the support of the leadership at Bruntwood and Legal & General to bring my plans forward.
“I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved during the first two years of Bruntwood SciTech.
“We’ve invested significantly in the expansion of all our campuses to meet increasing demand, such as bringing forward the development of No3 Circle Square, securing planning permission for Citylabs 4.0, the redevelopment of Base at Manchester Science Park, completing Glasshouse at Alderley Park and announcing the development of Enterprise Wharf at Innovation Birmingham.
“We’ve also grown our network during the lockdown, acquiring a 25% stake in Sciontec Livepool and have made a number of other significant investments as part of our expansion plans that we should be able to reveal soon.”
He added: “The last few months, in particular, have been a personal highlight in my career as we developed the Lighthouse Lab COVID-testing facility at Alderley Park in just a matter of weeks. It underlined the huge importance of the UK’s science and technology sectors at the most critical of moments.
