Nexus strengthens senior leadership team

Nexus has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of a New Operations director.

Bringing 15 years’ experience in the innovation and start-up sectors, Dr Mark Tock joins Nexus from Nottingham University Innovation Park (UNIP) where, as Operations Director, he was responsible for the development and running of the Park.

An Applied Biological Scientist by training, Mark holds a PhD in Biology (Genetics) from the University of Leeds, an MBA specialising in entrepreneurship and innovation management from Edinburgh Management School, and a PG Cert for Business Incubation, Coaching, and Mentoring from the University of Huddersfield.

He has led a number of incubation and science park projects, including the University of Sheffield’s Bio Incubator and Liverpool Innovation Park, and has provided advisory and mentoring support to developing incubators in Malaysia and China. He is also director and company secretary at the UK Science Park Association.

Alongside his team, Mark will now be responsible for managing the Nexus building and ensuring that the community has a supportive, inspiring and productive environment in which to succeed and grow together.

He said: “Nexus and the wider Leeds City Region has developed a justifiable reputation as the place to grow a successful technology business so I’m incredibly excited to be joining such a thriving innovation ecosystem. I have a real passion for helping entrepreneurs translate world-leading research into real world impacts, which aligns perfectly with Nexus’ ambitions. I look forward to getting to know our community and welcoming new members through our doors in the coming months.”

Dr Martin Stow, Nexus Director said: “Mark is incredibly well-respected and has a proven track record of helping start-ups and SMEs grow. Having held positions at some of the UK’s leading incubators and science parks, he shares our commitment to connecting businesses with academia to spark innovation. His experience will be invaluable, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Nexus.”