Jisc has announced the appointment of Dr Phil Richards, director of IT at Loughborough University, as chief innovation officer at Jisc. He will take up his appointment in November 2013.
Prior to his role at Loughborough University Phil undertook IT roles within other academic institutions. These included head of ICT at Plymouth University and assistant director of information services at Aberystwyth University. More recently, he has 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. It has also won plaudits including the 2012 Times Education Leadership and Management Awards ICT initiative of the year.
Dr Richards is ideally placed to lead Jisc's digital futures directorate working with colleagues in Jisc and across the sectors to identify and carry out cutting-edge practical exploration and experimentation that can really make a difference to UK education and research
