John Cronin appointed as the new Chief Executive at Aston Science Park
Birmingham’s internationally-acclaimed Aston Science Park announced today that it had appointed John Cronin as its new Chief Executive Officer.
John Cronin, currently Non Executive Director and Advisor to various technology companies takes over from Dr Derek Harris, Chief Executive since 1983, who will remain at the Science Park until the end of the month.
John Cronin said: “Founded 25 years ago as the first inner-city science park in Britain, Aston Science Park is today recognised as one of theforemost establishments of its kind in Europe. Under Dr Harris’ leadership, the dScience Park has made a tremendous contribution to the economy of Birmingham and I now look forward to being able to drive forward the next phase of the park’s exciting future.”
Originally set up to provide incubator accommodation for start-up operations and SMEs within the knowledge-based sector, Aston Science Park continues to expand its incubator provision and has expanded to provide a total space of about 250,000 sq ft, still catering for fledgling organisations together with offering facilities for international and UK companies requiring headquarters-type accommodation.
The Science Park, which is home to more than 100 companies employing in excess of 1,400 people, has a 65-acre campus with neighbouring Aston University. The integration of the Aston Triangle has created one of the most significant areas in the Midlands for new and high-tech companies linked directly to academic expertise. The Park also links Birmingham's Eastside development with the city centre and the business quarter.
One of the future Aston Science Park schemes include a joint initiative with Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Heartlands Hospital to launch a Medipark, creating hundreds of high quality research and technology jobs.
Coun Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Chairman of Aston Science Park added “The science park has a tremendous future and I wish John every success. John’s vast experience stands him in good stead to accept this role and drive the organisation forward.”
John is a local man, he was born in Birmingham and now lives in Warwickshire. John has over 30 years experience in the Technology Science field including Software, Security and Services Telecommunications industry in international, European and domestic markets. John is a recognised business leader having held various roles within many different companies ranging from Engineer to Chairman and has built several companies as well as leading divisions in larger corporate organisations.
John has held senior roles within Azure Solutions, NetSource Europe, Teleglobe, Mercury Communications and BT. He has personal experience of incubating new companies at BT Brightstar and in the Cambridge Network and working with SME companies across Europe.
Dr Harris, who joined Aston Science Park in 1983, the year it was launched by Aston University, Birmingham City Council and Lloyds TSB Bank, said: “It has been a tremendous journey, taking the science park from a site of inner-city dereliction through to a development that has done much to enhance Birmingham’s position on the international stage. I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
For further information about Aston Science Park call 0121 260 6168 or see www.AstonSciencePark.co.uk.
John Cronin is also Chairman of Bailey Fisher ~ Executive Search. For more information please go to: www.baileyfisher.com, call (01223) 235834 or e-mail Jenny on [email protected]
