Hat-trick of appointments strengthens Tees Valley-based Research and Innovation Centre

Press Release: Issued 26 October 2018

The Materials Processing Institute, a world leading research and innovation centre, based in the Tees Valley, has further strengthened its executive team with several key appointments.

The organisation has announced three new directors, which includes the promotion of two members of staff from management positions.

Dr Gerard Stephens has been named as Director, Operations, having previously held the title of Director, Client Services. Anders Jersby has been promoted from Business Development Manager to Director, Commercial and Carol Patton completes the cohort of new appointments after being promoted from Business Services Manager to the newly-created position of Director, Business Services.

Gerard was instrumental in establishing the SME Technology Centre at the Institute and has worked extensively in both the steel and oil and gas sectors. Anders has enjoyed an extensive career within the steel industry working with a range of international steel producers. Carol possesses vast experience in research and innovation management, and was responsible for the instigation of the Institute’s Quality Assurance and Environmental Management Systems.

The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre supporting organisations that work in advanced materials, low carbon energy and the circular economy.

It is recognised as a leading research centre for the global steel industry, a nationally recognised centre for upscaling and commercialisation of materials innovation and a key organisation supporting businesses throughout the Tees Valley, delivering business support and services, research, consultancy and training.

This includes being a partner in Innovate Tees Valley, a programme helping local businesses bring innovations to market and the Business Compass Start Up programme, helping start-up businesses to set-up.

These most recent appointments follow a series of new job opportunities created by the Institute at the start of the year, when it announced a number of research and consultancy positions.

Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “These latest appointments will further strengthen our position as a world leading research and innovation centre, as well as support the Institute’s long-term growth ambitions. I’d like to welcome Anders and Carol to the executive team, where they will play instrumental roles in our continued development, while complementing Gerard’s key operational duties.

“I am confident that these appointments will provide us with the capability to enhance our support for clients, whether this be local regional businesses and start-ups, or national and international organisations.”