Newcastle Innovation farewells Chair of the Board

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

After more than 20 years helping to guide the strategic direction of Newcastle Innovation, Dr Geoff Leonard AM has announced his retirement as Chair of the Board.

Newcastle Innovation farewells Chair of the Board

Dr Leonard's first input into the commercial activities of the University of Newcastle was in 1991 when he was appointed to the Review Committee for what was then known as The University of Newcastle Research Associates (TUNRA). The following year he was appointed to the TUNRA Board of Directors.

In 2006 he was installed as Chair of the Board. He oversaw the evolution of TUNRA into Newcastle Innovation and provided expert guidance to assist its growth.

Today Newcastle Innovation generates more than $18 million each year in contract research and technology transfer across the key areas of health, energy, minerals and science and information technology.

Newcastle Innovation CEO Dr Brent Jenkins said Dr Leonard's passion and commitment has been the cornerstone of the company's success.

"Geoff's leadership has provided a steady hand in guiding NI in the highly competitive world of technology transfer and creating economic value from the expert knowledge within the University of Newcastle."

"His knowledge and experience has been invaluable to the business and on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors I sincerely thank him for his 22 years contributing to the success of Newcastle Innovation."

A Chartered Accountant specialising in corporate advice, Dr Leonard holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business from the University in 2002.

He was the Foundation Chair of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and has served on several boards and committees associated with the University including the Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre, the Graduate School of Business and the University Foundation.

Dr Leonard remains on the University of Newcastle Council and carries the title of Pro Chancellor.

In 2009 he was named a member in the general division of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to tertiary education through the University of Newcastle, to the health care industry and to medical research.


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