Torotrak's Elsy is catapulted to new heights
31 August 2012
The High Value Manufacturing Catapult has appointed Dick Elsy as its chief executive officer. He joins the Catapult from his previous role as chief executive of Torotrak.
Throughout his career, Elsy has gained extensive experience in the process of innovation management and of the introduction of new technologies to market. He has led both small-scale and large organisations, his most recent being the specialist drivetrain innovator, Torotrak.
When Elsy takes up the reins at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult from October 1 2012, his main responsibility will be to ensure that the organisation maximises its impact on the growth of the manufacturing industry in the UK, delivering on realistic yet ambitious business-driven goals.
Combining seven centres of excellence around the UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult bridges the gap between business, academia and other research organisations. It helps businesses develop and commercialise advanced technologies emerging from Britain’s world-class research base. Its long-term aim is to boost significantly the contribution of manufacturing to the UK economy.
Businesses that engage with the Catapult will reduce the operational and financial risk associated with creating new and profitable products, processes and services.
Catapults form part of the Government’s economic growth strategy and are intended to transform the UK’s capability for innovation. The Catapult programme was announced by the Prime Minister in October 2010 and is being established and overseen by the Technology Strategy Board.