Rothamsted Enterprises are pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Earnshaw OBE FREng as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Chris brings many years of experience in managing innovation and engineering projects in a range of industries and roles from supporting small early-stage technology companies to senior executive roles in a FTSE100 company. For the past two decades he has served as non-executive chair of businesses and organisations in a range of industry sectors, following an executive career as Engineering Director for the BT Group.
Chris was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1999 and recently served as a Trustee of the Academy. He is a past President and Chairman of the Trustees of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Europe’s largest engineering professional body. He has been actively involved in fostering close relationships between universities, research organisations and industry partners throughout his career.
Chris was awarded the OBE in 2015 for services to UK Engineering and Technology.
Chris said of his appointment…
‘I am excited to have the opportunity to work with all the organisations that make the Rothamsted Campus a special place and a focal point for innovation in Agri-tech. More so, because innovation in Agri-tech is key to creating a more sustainable and resilient future, not just in the UK but also globally. It has already brought benefits to millions worldwide and the latest technologies, entrepreneurial skills, and resources at Rothamsted provide an opportunity to further increase this impact’.
Chris will lead the way for the future success of Rothamsted Enterprises by driving the vision and mission in establishing the Rothamsted Campus as the world class centre for research and innovation.
Nicole Sadd, CEO of Rothamsted Enterprises welcomes Chris,
‘I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chris. His experience of innovation and mix of private and public stakeholders is vital as Rothamsted Enterprise steps into its next phase. I am looking forward to working with Chris and our newly appointed Non-Executive Directors to deliver our strategic plan.
Chris replaces Baroness Maggie Jones, whom we thank for her vision, leadership, and direction over the last six years.
He also joins recently appointed Non-Executive Directors, Jolyon Austin and David Brown who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight which will greatly benefit Rothamsted Enterprises and together with the rest of the current Board will propel the business to an exciting future.
