Chief Executive Officer Innovations Ltd

Job Advert

The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Harvir Bains via  or +44 (0).

For further details, including information on how to apply, please visit  quoting reference 8671.

Cardiff Innovations Ltd is a newly established, wholly owned subsidiary of Cardiff University, created to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and enterprise activity across the University. It will provide a single gateway for researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners and investors, bringing together commercialisation, incubation and enterprise activity within a dedicated organisation focused on delivering impact and growth. It will be an anchor organisation delivering innovation services for Cardiff and Wales, helping to drive Cardiff as a fourth-generation University for a devolved nation.

Launching formally in April 2027, Cardiff Innovations Ltd is backed by one of the UK's leading research universities, which brings a growing portfolio of spin-outs and deep partnerships across industry and government. Cardiff University has a comprehensive research and innovation base that is growing in strength and number, with a live grant portfolio worth over £600 million. Together, these strengths represent a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation-led growth for Cardiff, Wales and beyond.

The Cardiff Innovations Ltd Board is now seeking to appoint its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will have a rare opportunity to build a new innovation organisation from the ground up, develop a high-performing team, grow strategic partnerships, create opportunities for innovation to thrive and deliver lasting benefits for society aligned with economic growth and wider prosperity.

The successful candidate will combine commercial acumen with a passion for innovation, bringing a proven track record of developing partnerships, identifying growth opportunities and delivering organisational impact. They will be able to work effectively across academia, industry, devolved and national governments and investment communities, creating the conditions for new ventures, commercial success and long-term economic and societal benefit.

We encourage you to arrange a discussion with our search partner, Perrett Laver, to find out more about the opportunity.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.

We especially welcome and encourage applications from those under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT+, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Hysbyseb Swydd

Bydd yr Universiti yn cael cymorth gan gwmni chwilio gweithredol Perrett Laver yn y prosess benodi hon. Os hoffech drafod y cyfle hwn ymhellach neu os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau am y rôl,…