Intellectual Property Office appoints new non executive directors
The Intellectual Property Office is pleased to announce that Sir Anthony Pigott and Gary Austin have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors on its Steering Board. They will serve a 3 year term starting on 15 July 2009. They will replace Geoffrey Drage and Kathryn Bishop, who are standing down having reached the end of their terms.
Ian Fletcher, chief executive, Intellectual Property Office said:
"The combination of Sir Anthony and Gary’s background, experience and skills will complement our current Steering Board membership. They bring us strong support in developing strategy, governance and leadership to guide us through the current economic climate."
David Richards. Chair of the Steering Board, said:
“We are enormously grateful to the contribution which Geoffrey Drage and Kathryn Bishop have made as Non-Executive Directors during their terms of appointment. In Sir Anthony and Gary we have two very worthy replacements with a broad range of skills and experience and the Steering Board is looking forward to working with them to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead”
Sir Anthony Pigott is currently chairman of a Defence/Security Strategic consultancy firm (FutureWins). He is also chairman of the Gordon Foundation and RC Bishopric of Forces Committee. Sir Anthony has enjoyed a full career in the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and command appointments. He is a former Commandant of the Staff College. Sir Anthony was awarded an MBE in1978, OBE in 1984, CBE in 1991 and KCB in 2002. He lives in Wiltshire and is married with three children.
Gary Austin is the chief executive of a2om International in Surrey, a company providing driver education software. Gary has held several Non Executive Director posts including with the East Midlands NHS Ambulance Trust and the National Blood Authority (Bristol). Gary has a background in management holding chief executive posts for the Driving Standards Agency (Nottingham) and National Blood Transfusion Service, (Bristol). Gary lives in Nottinghamshire and is married with two children.
For enquiries about the Intellectual Property Office press or media activities please contact James Thomson on +44 (0) 20 7034 2847
Notes to editors
- The Intellectual Property Office is within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
- Intellectual Property plays a central role in translating innovation and creativity into economic growth and social benefit.
Date of release: 29 May 2009