New Business Director for the National Graphene Institute

20 Feb 2014

The University has appointed James Baker as Business Director for the National Graphene Institute (NGI).

James will be responsible for attracting commercial organisations to work with University scientists on future graphene applications.

He has joined the University from BAE Systems where most recently he was Vice-President of Technology Collaboration Programmes and was responsible for the leadership of BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centres (ATC) and the BAE Systems corporate technology programme.

He has more than 25 years’ experience of working in high technology businesses primarily in the defence, security and aerospace sectors. He was also a representative on the joint Industry/MoD Research and Development Group.

In his most recent position, James developed new and innovative collaborative approaches to technology development and acquisition programmes as well as working on key international campaigns, leveraging the technology and partnerships from the Advanced Technology Centres in the UK.

He has worked in a variety of strategic and leadership roles at BAE Systems for the past 15 years, having previously worked for Pilkington Optronics based in North Wales.

Among his priorities will be to attract a number of Strategic Partners to the NGI, joining Bluestone Global Tech, who announced a £5m collaboration last year.

James said: “I am delighted to be joining The University of Manchester – the home of graphene.

“Through the National Graphene Institute, I am excited by the potential and challenge that graphene can provide for future products and capabilities and look forward to developing the collaborations and partnerships across academia and industry to exploit these future opportunities.”

Professor Colin Bailey, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, added: “We are delighted to welcome James to this important role at the NGI. His wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable in attracting major commercial organisations to partner with the University.”

Married to Nicki, with three children Thomas, Sophie and Annie, James’ hobbies include golf, mountain bike cycling and most sports.

He will begin his role on 3 March.