Ex-Jaguar man takes the helm of new Catapult initiative
A FORMER product development director at Jaguar has been appointed to take the helm of the Government’s new innovation initiative.
Dick Elsy is stepping down from his role as chief executive of Torotrak, the Lancashire-based advanced manufacturing company, to become the first chief executive of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a flagship programme designed to transform the UK’s capability for innovation and to help drive future economic growth.
Mr Elsy said: “It’s not an easy decision to leave Torotrak at such an exciting time when our plans are really starting to deliver, but I’ve been asked to take a leading role in the Government’s aims to rebalance the UK economy towards high value manufacturing and it’s something I want to do on a personal level.
“I am leaving Torotrak in good shape, in good hands and with very clear direction. Jeremy and I have worked well together for many years and I know that he is ideally placed to lead the next stage of Torotrak’s route to full commercial roll-out”.
Torotrak chairman John Weston said: “Torotrak’s board would like to thank Dick for leading the substantial changes in our company which have ensured that we now have a strong business with an outstanding leadership team.
“We see his new role as making a vital contribution to the development of world-class technology businesses in the UK and wish him the very best of luck in this prestigious new position.”
Before joining Torotrak Mr Wilson was the responsible for implementing significant global growth in engineering capability for Delphi Diesel Systems Aftermarket, part of the top-20 global vehicle technology supplier Delphi Automotive.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Innovation, and our Catapult centres in particular, are central to our plans for sustainable economic growth and our emerging industrial strategy. Catapults are key in making sure that we are building the groundwork for a bright future, and giving businesses the confidence to develop and market new and innovative products and technologies.
“Dick Elsy has an excellent track record and exactly the sort of experience and skills in business, design and engineering which our Catapult centres need.”
Mr Elsy said: “To be asked to lead the High Value Manufacturing Catapult is a great privilege. This ground-breaking initiative is now poised to play a key role in the drive to rebalance our economy.”
Bob Gilbert, Chairman of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult said: “We are delighted that Dick has accepted the challenge of becoming our first full-time chief executive. His past experience will serve him well in this exciting yet demanding position as we build on the strong foundations established by the current management team and take the Catapult forward to support a wide range of UK-based companies, large and small, in their efforts to commercialise great technologies emerging from our world-class research base.”
Iain Gray, chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said: “We are thrilled to have someone of Dick’s stature and experience to lead the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. The UK has an excellent history of delivering cutting-edge manufacturing products and solutions. The Catapult will be at the heart of the next phase of this story, helping both new and established UK-based manufacturing businesses to take advantage of lucrative global markets through the development of high-value products, processes and services to the long-term benefit of the UK economy.”
Catapults form part of the Government’s economic growth strategy and are designed to transform the UK’s capability for innovation.
