Appointment of new Director Surrey Innovation District

The role has been created as part of the Research and Innovation Phase 2 review. Caroline will lead the strategic development of the Innovation District, with the Surrey Research Park at its core. The role focuses on the knowledge exchange, business engagement and business growth activities (including SETsquared Surrey) of the companies located at the Park with the aim of optimising their engagement with the University and creating a community that connects innovation across the region and raises the value of the Surrey Research Park. The Park site, buildings and tenancy contracts will continue to be managed by the Operations team, led by Director of Estates and Facilities, Jo Bell.

Caroline will represent the University externally, as a key leader in business engagement, managing stakeholder relationships across the Innovation District and links to regional and international innovation clusters. She will work closely with the senior leaders in Research and Innovation across the University to ensure opportunities for collaboration and value generation are realised in line with strategic priorities.

Caroline has a wealth of experience in engaging research active businesses with the University, leading business growth programmes and creating new opportunities for engagement. She has been the interim director of engagement at the Park for the last five months and has developed a strong and exciting strategy for working alongside Jo Bell to optimise the Surrey Research Park for both the tenants and the University, creating benefit for the whole region.