Refreshed DSIT board to guide plans to transform public services and close digital divide
Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell is joining non-executive directors from business and the charity sector to form the newly appointed DSIT board.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has appointed four new non-executive directors (NEDs) to guide the department in using science and technology to enhance public services, promote digital including and drive economic growth.
The appointments are:
- Adam Tickell: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham
- Nicola Hodson: Chief Executive of IBM UK and Ireland, and former board member at the UK Council for Child Internet Safety
- Helen Milner OBE: Group Chief Executive of the Good Things Foundation
- Paul Willmott: Chair of the Central Digital & Data Office and Chief Digital Advisor at KIRKBI (LEGO Holding)
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “As we transform DSIT to unleash the power of technology to improve lives for people across the country, working in lockstep with business, academics and charities will be essential.
“Bringing Adam, Nicola, Helen and Paul on to the board brings in some of Britain’s brightest and most passionate minds to help us drive these ambitions forward, so we can put technology to work for people nationwide.”
Accepting the appointment, Professor Tickell said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as a non-executive director at DSIT at such a crucial time for research and innovation across our country. The UK faces a series of challenges including economic growth, productivity, clean energy, and enhancing our NHS. The research undertaken by our nation’s universities is vital to meeting these challenges, and this new role will allow me to ensure that this message is taken to the heart of government.”
Existing board members, Dominic Field, Liz Cohen and Jason Chin will continue their roles, with Dominic Field assuming the role of lead NED.
The new NEDs have been appointed on a temporary basis of up to nine months, to support DSIT in the delivery of its new objectives. A competitive recruitment process will be launched shortly, for these roles to be filled in the longer-term.
I am delighted to have been appointed as a non-executive director at DSIT at such a crucial time for research and innovation across our country.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “As we transform DSIT to unleash the power of technology to improve lives for people across the country, working in lockstep with business, academics and charities will be essential.
“Bringing Adam, Nicola, Helen and Paul on to the board brings in some of Britain’s brightest and most passionate minds to help us drive these ambitions forward, so we can put technology to work for people nationwide.”
Accepting the appointment, Professor Tickell said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as a non-executive director at DSIT at such a crucial time for research and innovation across our country. The UK faces a series of challenges including economic growth, productivity, clean energy, and enhancing our NHS. The research undertaken by our nation’s universities is vital to meeting these challenges, and this new role will allow me to ensure that this message is taken to the heart of government.”
Existing board members, Dominic Field, Liz Cohen and Jason Chin will continue their roles, with Dominic Field assuming the role of lead NED.
The new NEDs have been appointed on a temporary basis of up to nine months, to support DSIT in the delivery of its new objectives. A competitive recruitment process will be launched shortly, for these roles to be filled in the longer-term.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
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