High Value Manufacturing Catapult CEO defers retirement

Dick Elsy, Chief Executive Officer of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, has announced that he will defer his planned retirement to support the manufacturing sector’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Elsy announced in January that he would retire from the HVM Catapult in August this year.   Yesterday, in response to challenges UK manufacturers will face during the coronavirus outbreak, Mr Elsy confirmed that he would defer his retirement to support the national response to the virus.

Dick said:

“Coronavirus presents immense challenges for the UK’s manufacturers. In the short term they will be called on to step up to supply the nation’s needs at an extraordinary moment in our history.  Looking further ahead, they will need to be strong to weather the shock that the virus has given our economy.  I want to play my full part in mobilising the outstanding resources of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to underpin their success until the situation stabilises and I can hand over to a successor.”

Responding to Mr Elsy’s announcement, Allan Cook, CBE, Chair of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult said:

“I am delighted that Dick has generously decided to defer his departure from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. His decision is typical of Dick’s commitment to HVMC and the wider manufacturing sector. His deep understanding of UK manufacturing and his tireless passion for supporting the sector’s businesses through innovation are vital qualities at a time when companies are facing exceptional demands and an uncertain future economy.”