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3M BIC appoints new CEO

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We would like to announce the appointment of the 3M BIC’s new CEO Sue Cooke. Sue has taken over as the successor of Professor Liz Towns-Andrews as she steps down to focus on her role within the University of Huddersfield.

Some of you may have already met Sue or know of her through her previous role as Executive Head of Economic Services at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Sue Cooke brings with her a wealth of enterprise, strategy and academic experience. Over the last nine years, she has led the development and delivery of LEP services in the Leeds City Region, including skills and employment, business growth and competitiveness, and more recently trade and inward investment.

Other previous roles include directing strategy, policy and operations for Business Link West Yorkshire, managing key business relationships for Kirklees Council and delivering consultancy projects. Sue has also taught business strategy on MBA programmes at business schools across the region, including at the University of Huddersfield.

Sue’s remit as CEO will be to strengthen the 3M BIC’s existing business support services and links to the University’s schools, help increase awareness levels and SME engagement, as well as expand its innovation and technical offerings.

Commenting on her new role, she said: “Innovation is at the heart of the 3M BIC and I want to build on its existing innovation strengths to help attract more businesses, not just from the Leeds City Region, but from across the UK and internationally. My vision is to forge a dynamic eco-system of innovation and enterprise expertise at the 3M BIC, building on the University of Huddersfield’s growing international reputation for impactful research in collaboration with business.

“Our aim is to be inspiring, innovative and international and I’m looking forward to working with the team at the 3M BIC to make that happen.”

Liz Towns-Andrews influenced the build of the 3M BIC and had a vision to create a hub that provided the key ingredients businesses needed to grow and thrive. Liz will continue in her role as Director of Research and Enterprise at the University of Huddersfield and will maintain her position on the board of the 3M BIC.

Liz said: “Since the 3M BIC’s conception six years ago, universities are now using it as a blueprint to replicate innovation centres on their own campuses. In order to remain competitive and attractive to businesses, it’s imperative that we move the centre forward and constantly improve its offering and services for businesses.

“I have every confidence that Sue, with her background in strategy, enterprise and skills, will help grow the 3M BIC into the leading innovation centre in the region and beyond.”

We look forward to working with you Sue and wish you the very best of luck in your new role.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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