Southampton: Science Park appoints new chief exec

The University of Southampton Science Park has appointed Peter Birkett as its Chief Executive with effect from April 2. Birkett joins the highly successful science park from defence research group Qinetiq and is taking over from Don Fox, who will retire after 11 years at the helm.

Established by the University of Southampton in 1983 and previously named after its location in Chilworth on the city's northern outskirts, the 45-acre site has become one of the most successful university science parks in the country. Plans are currently underway to expand the science park's business into the nine-acre Benham Campus on land adjacent to the current activities.

"I am delighted and privileged to be taking over the University of Southampton Science Park at such a stimulating time," said Birkett. "The opportunity to lead the company through an exciting development programme, as part of the vibrant entrepreneurial community on the science park, is a challenge I am really looking forward to."

Science Park chairman Alan Walker commented: "Under Don Fox's leadership in the past decade the University of Southampton Science Park has confirmed its position as the leading science park in the South of England. In this time it has expanded considerably to become the thriving science and technology community that it is today, comprising a wide range of companies from very small start-ups to major international groups.

"I would like to thank Don for the tremendous contribution he has made to the University of Southampton Science Park since 1996, and to welcome Peter to his new role. We look forward to the park's future success, in particular the expansion of the Benham Campus, which will provide further development opportunities for science and technology companies from both the region and the global community."