New CEO and Chairman to Direct Future of Park Development

Driving strategic development at Plymouth Science Park are the recently appointed Chief Executive Officer Ian McFadzen, formally Commercial Director of the Marine Innovation Centre at the University of Plymouth and new Chairman Michael LeGoff, founder and CEO of Plessey.

With more than 30 years' experience in the public and private sectors, Ian brings with him expertise in translating research outputs into commercially viable business opportunities, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and life sciences. As the founding director of two biotechnology companies, including Biovault, the UK's largest accredited private sector human tissue bank, he has worked with a range of science parks across the UK, including Plymouth, Cambridge, Bristol and Bath. A former research biologist, Ian has spent the last ten years at the University and has worked on collaborative R&D programmes across Europe, North America and South East Asia.

Speaking of his appointment, Ian said: "The primary objective of Plymouth Science Park is to support the University, and in so doing the city of Plymouth, to further its aims and reputation with respect to science, innovation and its commercialisation.

"It is of paramount importance that Plymouth Science Park creates a ‘safe' environment for entrepreneurial development, supporting a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and science and technology-based organisations who can ‘learn' from one another other.

"The Park will champion partnerships, collaboration and knowledge exchange - all with the aim of stimulating the economy, creating jobs, and generating graduate opportunities."

Michael LeGoff has been the CEO of Plessey since 2009, when he founded the company with the acquisition of legacy assets. A renowned physicist and engineer, Michael takes over as Chair of the Board of Directors from John Acornley, who was serving as Interim.

Mr LeGoff said: "I am delighted to be taking up this role as Chairman of Plymouth Science Park. Our deep appreciation is forwarded to John Acornley for the sterling service he has provided as Interim Chair.

"Together with Ian at the helm, we can look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Ian has presented a very clear vision of how he sees PSP developing and the role it should play in the city and region. The Board has already declared it is highly supportive of the executive team in taking that forward."

The Science Park is co-owned by Plymouth City Council and the University of Plymouth.