Science City chief to hand over the reins

Jul 10 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE search is on to find a new chief executive for the Newcastle Science City project.

Outgoing director Sarah Stewart is preparing to hand over control of the multi-million pound scheme, which is aiming to create up to 5,000 new jobs in the region.

Since her appointment last December, she has overseen the demolition of the £33m Tyne Brewery site and a £5m recruitment drive aimed at bringing the world’s top scientists to Newcastle.

Mrs Stewart said: “My role has always been to get Newcastle Science City to the point where we can hand over to a full-time chief executive and I think we’ve reached that point now.

“We are still very much in the early stage of the recruitment process and that could take several months, because we are determined to get the best person for this role.

“The ideal candidate is hard to describe but they may well have detailed experience of commercialisation of the science arena, be that after emerging through the commercial side and applied that to scientific research or someone who has experience of taking their research to a commercial market.

“These are very specific skills we are looking for, and I’ll still be here as we go through the recruitment process and ensure we have a smooth hand-over.”

Mrs Stewart spent 11 months working on the Science City project before her appointment as director last year.

Newcastle City Council leader John Shipley last night paid tribute to her work.

He said: “She has done a magnificent job in pulling together the different elements and preparing the ground for a new chief executive. We have all appreciated the enormous contribution she has made.”

The new chief executive will receive a “substantial six-figure salary” as they head the project funded by One NorthEast, Newcastle University and Newcastle City Council.