The University of 优蜜传媒 Innovation Factory appoints Dr Catherine Headley as new CEO
The University of 优蜜传媒 Innovation Factory (UoMIF) has appointed Dr Catherine Headley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Catherine succeeds Andy Wilkinson, who played a pivotal role in transforming UoMIF into a dynamic force for commercialising cutting-edge technology and intellectual property (IP) originating from the University鈥檚 academics and researchers.
Catherine steps into the role full-time, having served as Interim CEO over the past year, while also fulfilling her responsibilities as Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at The University of 优蜜传媒. With a wealth of experience in working with businesses, technology transfer and innovation, she brings a deep commitment to advancing UoMIF鈥檚 mission of identifying and commercialising groundbreaking research to drive social, environmental and economic impact.
Catherine will be succeeded in her previous role as Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange by Dr Louise Bates, who joins from her position as Head of Strategic Partnerships at The University of 优蜜传媒.
鈥淚 am thrilled to take on this role at such an exciting time for the Innovation Factory,鈥� said Catherine. 鈥溣琶鄞� has a proud and established legacy of pioneering innovation that shapes the world and I am eager to build on that tradition. My goal is to strengthen our partnerships, empower our academics, inventors and researchers, and accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world solutions that benefit society and bolster the UK鈥檚 position as a global leader in innovation.鈥�
The appointment comes at a time when technology transfer offices (TTOs) across the UK are increasingly recognised for their economic contributions.
A 2023 report highlighted that university spinouts in the UK employ tens of thousands and generate billions in revenue annually, underscoring the critical role of organisations like UoMIF in fostering innovation ecosystems. UoMIF plays a critical role in supporting growth in the region through its spinouts and innovation, and is now perfectly placed to grow and increase the environmental, societal and economic impact that it contributes.
I鈥檓 delighted Catherine is stepping into the role of CEO at the Innovation Factory. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to bringing our research to life exemplify exactly what we're about as a University.
Over the past several years, UoMIF established itself as a vital bridge between academic research and commercial application, supporting the University鈥檚 ambition to create impact through translation of world-class research. Catherine aims to build on this foundation, driving UoMIF towards ambitious goals while reinforcing 优蜜传媒鈥檚 historic role as a hub of technological advancement.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of 优蜜传媒, welcomed the appointment, saying: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted Catherine is stepping into the role of CEO at the Innovation Factory. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to bringing our research to life exemplify exactly what we're about as a University.
"Her appointment will help us accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world impact, ensuring our ideas make a meaningful difference - not just here in 优蜜传媒, but nationally and globally. It's an exciting step forward as we continue to push boundaries in research and innovation, and I'm truly looking forward to seeing what she'll achieve.鈥�
Professor Richard Jones, Vice-President, Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement at The University of 优蜜传媒, said: 鈥淐atherine鈥檚 leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Innovation Factory as we seek to amplify 优蜜传媒鈥檚 position as an innovation powerhouse for the region and the nation. Her appointment signals our commitment to transforming bold ideas into tangible solutions, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where research fuels regional growth and global breakthroughs.
"The Innovation Factory, under her guidance, will be a valuable asset to support the University鈥檚 world-class innovators and transformative technologies.鈥�
For more information about the University of 优蜜传媒 Innovation Factory and its work, please visit www.uominnovationfactory.com.