One of the country's top practical science managers has been appointed CEO of Lincoln Ventures Limited, Lincoln University's wholly owned research, development and consulting company.
Mr Graeme Robertson, CEO for 17 years of the Cawthron Institute, Nelson, takes up the position on 28 November, succeeding Dr Peter John who was appointed Director Lincoln Innovation with Lincoln University's Research and Innovation Office earlier in the year.
Lincoln Ventures Board Chairman Mr Gary Leech of Ashburton says the company is very fortunate to have someone of Mr Robertson's calibre and experience take the helm.
As CEO of the Cawthron Institute, Mr Robertson is credited with transforming it into one of New Zealand's top practical science centres for research into biosecurity, the ecology and aquaculture.
He says he enjoys the challenge of bridging the gap between scientists and the private sector and he believes that the greatest achievement of his time at the Cawthron Institute was the way it has grown its partnership with industry.
In addition to his Cawthron experience, Mr Robertson brings to Lincoln Ventures Ltd solid managerial experience in a complex science-based industry.
For eight years he was Technical Manager for New Zealand Forest Products Pulp and Paper Ltd at Kinleith, having started with the company in 1974 after international experience as a research engineer with the Swedish Forest Products Research Laboratory in Stockholm. Prior to that he was with Tasman Pulp and Paper at Kawerau.
Born in Lower Hutt, Mr Robertson holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) degree and he says he is looking forward to being involved with the unique and exciting commercialisations developed by Lincoln Ventures Ltd.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ian Collins, Journalist
Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: 64 3 325 2811 ext 8549
Email: Ian Collins