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Simon currently manages the Incubation Centre at the University of Essex and has previously worked as CEO of the Eastern Enterprise Hub, delivering mentor-supported networking programmes to support SMEs and social enterprises. Through a career that has ranged from traditional media (Thames TV) to Cambridge start-up success (E*Trade UK), he is experienced in supporting organisations achieve their growth goals by finding the right connections and relevant opportunities.
"It is a fundamental truth, no matter the size or age of your organisation, that opportunities for high quality networking and knowledge sharing are the cornerstone of successful business development – on both the technological and commercial sides," says Simon Mead, CEO-in-waiting, CW. "The CW community has a well-earned reputation for delivering activities that address market issues in a timely, impartial and in-depth manner. With this strong platform to build from, I look forward to learning more about the needs of our membership and continuing to enhance the CW programme such that we remain at the very forefront of technology social networking."
Bob Driver announced that he would step down as CEO on 9 May following three years at the helm of CW, during which time turnover has increased by 60% and the organisation has won several major contracts that complement the activity of its 19 Special Interest Groups.
Highlights include CW being asked by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to lead the UK5G Innovation Network, a nationwide collaborative project that will accelerate the commercial deployment of 5G in the UK; and delivering multiple technology accelerators for multinationals such as ghd that harness the creativity and skills of the CW start-up community. While Bob is standing down from the post of CEO, he continues as a Director on the CW Board and as the lead for UK5G.
"After a competitive recruitment process, the decision of the Board is reassuring", says Bob Driver. "Each past CEO has successfully orchestrated unique opportunities for the CW community, adding new activities and making CW more relevant to its members’ markets. Simon’s past experience and natural leadership skills will be of great value as he works alongside the CW Board to provide superlative value to the tech community. Meanwhile, I’m personally looking forward to accelerating the development of UK5G, and supporting Simon as he takes on this role."
"Bob has made a great contribution to CW over the past three years and on behalf of the CW board, I’d like to thank him for his efforts," said Raj Gawera, Chairman of the CW Board and VP & MD of Samsung Cambridge Solutions Centre. "The board had to carefully consider many factors when considering who to pick for Bob’s successor. In Simon, we found an able leader with a strong passion for technology and an enthusiasm for networking. We look forward to working closely with Simon on taking CW forward."
Simon will take up full duties of CEO from 1 November 2018.