Expertise

Ben is CEO of Innovation Catalyst Ltd and has over 20 years executive and non-executive experience working with and for higher education institutions, public and private sector organisations in leading and delivering research, innovation, commercial, business development, economic development and programme management functions and portfolios. 

Prior to this, Ben held a number of senior leadership roles in the higher education sector, including Director of Business and Enterprise at Northumbria University and Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Teesside University. Before working in higher education, Ben spent 10 years in the civil service, public and private sectors working in senior science, innovation, industry and economic development strategy, commercial and delivery roles.   

An economic geographer with a PhD from Newcastle University, Ben has published in peer review journals, secured research and knowledge exchange funding, and contributed to regional and national innovation and industrial policy.