Jisc names new chief innovation officer

Phil Richards, director of IT at Loughborough University, has been appointed chief innovation officer at Jisc. He will start the role in November 2013.

Prior to his role at Loughborough University he had IT roles within other academic institutions, these included head of ICT at Plymouth University and assistant director of information services at Aberystwyth University. He has also become known for his novel approach to data centres; Loughborough’s ‘hybrid cloud’ model has delivered millions of pounds and hundreds of tonnes of carbon savings. He was also involved early in his career with e-learning.

Richards commented: 'I am really pleased to accept the role of chief innovation officer at Jisc. I share Jisc’s passion for working together with learners, researchers, IT departments, libraries and academic leaders across the sectors to show the potential that digital technologies can have in transforming the learning and research experience. I am looking forward to getting started and seeing what we can achieve for the future of innovation.'