Dr Richard Hutchins has been appointed as Science City York's new chief executive. The organisation has recently become a company limited by guarantee, jointly owned by City of York Council and the University of York, with strong backing from the Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward.

Presently the corporate director of Economic Development at Advantage West Midlands (AWM) - the Regional Development Agency (RDA) for the West Midlands - Richard brings a great deal of experience to the role. His responsibilities at AWM included working with  Birmingham Science City and both Birmingham and Warwick Universities.

Richard said: "There is clearly a tremendously strong commitment from all concerned with Science City York. I want to take this to the next level, building and spreading the success and strengthening the engagement with local companies. York is known around the globe as a major tourist destination. I want it to be equally known as the place where world class science and innovation connect with world class industry, making it even more attractive for investors and scientists alike, creating many new, quality jobs for local people."

Bill Woolley, director of City Strategy at City of York Council, said: "The new company offers the opportunity to move the success of Science City to a new level and we are delighted to secure the services of Richard Hutchins to this key position. I am sure he will be a tremendous asset to York and will be instrumental in ensuring that Science City York continues to help move our economy forward and create the much needed jobs for future generations "      

Richard Gregory OBE, Chair Science City York Stakeholder Board, said: "Science City York is a successful, evolving initiative and Richards appointment together with the increasingly integrated and focussed structure will propel it into the next phase. His skills and very relevant experience bode well for the city and region's development."

Professor Brian Cantor, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, said: "From the outset, the University has been at the heart of Science City York partnership in establishing  York as a centre for scientific innovation.

"We look forward to working closely with Richard Hutchins, as Science City
York plays an integral role in the government's mission to establish the UK
as a global leader in science, education and skills, over the next decade
and beyond."

Richard will take up his new role at the end of August.