The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has appointed Keith Zimmerman as its new COO.
A businessman with huge experience of working in senior roles at many UK universities, Zimmerman has extensive stakeholder management skills.
He has delivered organisational change and large-scale transformation programmes in high-profile organisations, and brings three decades of experience in academia to STFC.
He has also overseen a series of projects at the University of Bath, including the completion of the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems facility and the School of Management building, setting up its Strategic Projects Office amongst other projects.
On behalf of the UK, STFC supports research in astronomy, physics and space science, and operates research facilities at a series of sites across the country.
With over 2,500 science and engineering staff and partners across academia and industry, Zimmerman will take on a broad and strategic role for the organisation.
This includes responsibility for governance, estates management and support services as well as health, safety and environmental sustainability.
He will also oversee security, risk management and continuous improvement while also providing leadership in financial, legal and commercial, and human resource activities at STFC.
“I am delighted that Keith has been appointed as STFC’s next COO, following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process,” said STFC’s executive chair, Professor Michele Dougherty.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank John Ginever for stepping up to take on the interim COO role. Keith brings extensive COO experience to STFC, with recent roles including leading a major transformation project at King’s College, London.”
Zimmerman added: “The opportunity to become COO for STFC is a gift to me professionally.
“I look forward to both supporting STFC on the fresh challenges ahead and collaborating with our staff to build on the great work of the organisation to date.”