Tech tsar to build government strategy

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) has appointed Iain Gilmour Gray as chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board.

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The board was launched as an executive Non Departmental Public Body on 1 July 2007, with a remit to promote and support research, development and application of technology to the benefit of business with the aim of increasing economic growth.

The unit was headed up in the interim by Dr David Evans, director of innovation at the DIUS, which sponsors the board.

Among Gray's responsibilities are advising the government across all departments on policies that relate to technology, and working up a framework for delivering a coherent technology strategy.

Gray is currently MD of Airbus UK. He is also a member of the CBI Presidents' Committee. He joined Airbus in 1979.

Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, said Gray's background as a leading business figure, his management experience and expertise in business R&D will be a great asset to the board as it drives forward its aim to make the UK a global leader in the development of new technologies to drive economic growth.

Gray will take up his position in November.