25 March 2002
International Search Nets Industry New Zealand Director, Biotechnology Sector
Industry New Zealand has carried out an international search to appoint its new Director, Biotechnology Sector.
Peter Lennox is currently Director of Biotechnology Networks for Scottish Enterprise – the national economic development
agency of Scotland.
Industry NZ Chief Executive Neil Mackay said the organisation was thrilled to have recruited someone of the calibre of
Mr Lennox.
“Biotechnology is one of the three key sectors targeted by the Government in its Growth and Innovation Framework as
offering huge economic growth potential, both in its own right and as an enabler for other sectors.
“It was therefore important to find a person of international standing for the Sector Director role,” Mr Mackay said.
Mr Lennox says the job brings together all strands of his past experience. “I was originally a scientist, and I have
extensive business and marketing skills gained through working with blue chip companies and key government officials in
Europe, Asia and the USA.”
Working together with key scientists from research institutes, economic analysts, private sector companies, the media
and the Scottish and UK governments, Mr Lennox and his team forged a dynamic biotechnology community. The team raised
the profile of Scottish biotechnology worldwide so that it is now recognised to be at the forefront of new scientific
discoveries.
“More than that, through our shared vision of doubling the size of Scotland’s biotechnology cluster over four years, we
moved science from the research lab into newly created companies,” Mr Lennox said.
Mr Lennox has also held positions as Director North America for Locate in Scotland, aimed at attracting high value
projects, and Director of Scottish Trade International, the government export agency, as well as being Director and
Chairman of a number of public sector bodies and working in the food and drink industry, moving from scientific research
through production to marketing positions.
He takes up the position in early- to mid- July.
Ends