Chief Executive Officer

Edinburgh Innovations Limited (EI), the commercialisation service of the University of Edinburgh, is appointing its next Chief Executive Officer.

With 16,000 staff and over 49,000 students, the University of Edinburgh has a worldwide reputation for its excellence in research and is a leader in innovation. The QS World University Rankings 2024 ranked Edinburgh 22nd in the world. We are 4th in the UK for research power (Times Higher Education's REF power ratings), with 90% of research activity classified as world leading or internationally excellent (2021 REF). A recent report valued our economic impact at £7.52bn in 2021/22, with £3.2bn from research and knowledge exchange (London Economics).

EI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University, leads the University’s activities in industry engagement; business development; enterprise support and; management and commercialisation of University intellectual property. Ranked 5th globally for 'industry, innovation, and infrastructure' (THE Impact Rankings 2023), we are one of the top 5 universities for business engagement (HE-BCI Survey). EI is also a prominent member of TenU, the international collaboration of ten leading technology transfer offices.

EI is a critical vehicle through which the University can achieve the goals expressed in our Strategy 2030. In 2022/23, we launched 123 companies, have seen investment of £107m into university-linked companies, secured £13m in consultancy income and £92m income from industry and translational awards.

EI is seeking a new CEO to develop and implement a compelling, highly ambitious vision for industry engagement across the University and globally, to develop commercial opportunities and partnerships, driving income and economic and societal impact. Reporting to the University’s Vice Principal, Corporate Services, and working closely with Vice Principal, Research & Enterprise and Chair of the EI Board, this role coincides with an exciting period of development for the University, offering new engagement opportunities and ongoing successful commercialisation.

The ideal candidate will have held significant transformative and strategic senior leadership experience working with collaborative/joint ventures, across a range of partners and stakeholders, ideally from a variety of international contexts. You will have a proven track record of successfully running an organisation or division related to commercialisation of innovation or industry engagement and will have had significant budgetary responsibility.

Applications require a cover letter and full CV detailing qualifications, submitted by April 15, 2024.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.

Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary interviews with long-listed candidates in late April-May, with the Appointment Committee meeting in May to decide on shortlisted candidates, who will be interviewed on June 14, 2024.

Salary: Competitive

Location: Edinburgh

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