Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation appointed

Dr Jon Hunt will be returning to Bath on 16 September to take up the role of Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation.

This new role reports to Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, Chief Operating Officer, and will work with colleagues across the University on delivering the University’s Enterprise and Innovation Strategy.

As lead for delivering strategic partnerships, Jon will build on the strong foundation of our academic ventures and our impact on Bath and the wider region.

Jon brings 25 years of experience in research and innovation within funder organisations, businesses, charities, government and two universities. He joins us from University of Bristol where he held the position of Executive Director of Research, Enterprise & Innovation. Prior to that he was Director of Business and Skills at the West of England’s Combined Authority (WECA). Before that, he was here at Bath where he was our Director of Research & Innovations Services (RIS).

At Bristol, he was instrumental in leading a £225m commercial deal for Isambard AI, the UK’s fastest supercomputer, and a number of other cutting-edge projects. He led an £8M infrastructure deal and grant for two large business incubators, and was Professional Services lead for Research & Innovation Strategy to support research portfolio growth. He also doubled the university’s industry income from 2020.

Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr said: “Jon will work with me on the delivery of key commercial strategic initiatives and business propositions that sit at the heart of our partnerships, enterprise and innovation activities.

“He will work closely with all our colleagues and key stakeholders to bring services and operations together for successful project delivery and outcomes. I look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

Jon said: “I’ve had seven great years in Bristol, yet I love the city of Bath and the University. This new role enables me to continue with my commitment to transform the innovation ecosystem of the region for a better society and economy.”

We look forward to welcoming Jon back to the University.