Scarborough Group International has recruited Deb Hetherington as its Director of Innovation Ecosystems.
Since leaving Bruntwood SciTech last year, Hetherington has acted as an innovation consultant working across the health, tech and digital sectors in the North of England. An Executive Director of Leeds Digital and Associate AI Researcher at Leeds Beckett University, she’s also a Forum Member at the Productivity Institute.
“Through my experience working on multiple developments and building networks across innovation sites around the world, it’s become increasingly clear that the most important element for success is in the strength of partnerships within those ecosystems,” she explained of the new role.
“Building impactful and strategic relationships across public and private sector, with a shared vision and a strong appetite for collaboration, is key to growth. SGI’s projects are uniquely positioned to harness these connections, and I’m excited to join the team at such a pivotal stage to help shape and expand their innovation strategy and footprint.”
READ MORE – A Week in My Life: Deb Hetherington, Head of Innovation, Bruntwood SciTech Leeds
Her focus at Scarborough Group will be its flagship projects, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the Old Medical School in Leeds.
Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park is an 80-acre development targeting health and wellbeing innovation on a global scale. It’s already home to the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and the English Institute of Sport Sheffield.
The Old Medical School, situated on the Leeds General Infirmary site, forms part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust’s Innovation Village. The redevelopment will transform the historic Grade II listed building into a hub for medical technology, life sciences and healthcare innovation. It will be the first phase of Leeds’ wider Innovation Arc, to establish the city as a leading destination for health and technology innovation.
“Deb’s appointment reflects our commitment to advancing our innovation agenda,” stated Kevin McCabe, Founder and Chairman of SGI.
“Her expertise in building ecosystems and her deep understanding of the needs of digital and tech businesses make her an invaluable addition to our team. We’re confident her leadership will help us realise the full potential of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the Old Medical School in Leeds, creating thriving hubs for innovation and economic growth.”
