New Chair to take forward University-business partnership to ramp up innovation and investment
Innovation Greater Manchester (IGM), the partnership aiming to create a thriving innovation ecosystem in Greater Manchester, has announced the appointment of Andrew Hodgson OBE as the new Chair of its Board.
The IGM Board brings together leaders from Greater Manchester’s universities alongside business leaders and key figures in the public sector.
The IGM Partnership is formally made up of Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, the University of Salford, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, with support from industry partners. The IGM team is hosted by Manchester Met on behalf of the Partnership.
IGM is a central driver in Greater Manchester's ambition to become a global leader in research and innovation. IGM’s Greater Manchester Innovation Plan has identified the opportunity for £3.8bn of sustainable, innovation powered growth and over 100,000 jobs across the city-region.
Andrew brings extensive experience in business leadership, regional development and innovation-led growth, having held previous executive and non-executive roles in the private and public sectors across both large corporate and SME organisations.
As Chair, Andrew will lead the Board’s work in aligning Greater Manchester’s innovation ecosystem and championing the region’s economic strengths across advanced materials, digital and creative, health innovation and net zero, working with the new IGM Director.
The appointment comes at a crucial moment for Greater Manchester’s innovation and growth ambitions, and as the city-region launches its ambitious Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035.
The Government’s June Spending Review announced up to £500m for the Local Innovation Partnership Fund as part of a wider £86 billion commitment to research and development to be delivered with local innovation leaders across the UK. The fund is earmarked to give dedicated awards of at least £30 million to each of the 7 Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England including Greater Manchester. It was followed by the National Industrial Strategy, which set out plans to boost investment and drive growth in eight key sectors.
Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: “I firmly believe innovation is the fundamental driver of economic value, which in turn is the most important factor in improved social outcomes. I’m delighted to accept this role at such a critical moment for innovation in Greater Manchester, in a region with colossal potential.
“IGM provides a vital platform to bring together our strengths across the region’s businesses, public organisations and academic institutions, and I look forward to working with partners to deliver real and lasting impact.”
Andrew is a former Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and was involved in establishing the NP11 group of Northern LEPs. He has also been Chair and Chief Executive of a number of innovative technology-led manufacturing businesses.
He was awarded an OBE for services to manufacturing and the North East economy, and brings significant experience in political and economic leadership.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Lead for Economy and IGM Board member, said: “Andrew’s experience from senior leadership roles in innovation-led industries will be an asset to the IGM Board and to Greater Manchester.
“IGM is an example of what we do best, bringing together industry, academia and local government behind a shared mission. We look forward to working with Andrew to drive growth, increase productivity and create jobs and opportunities for people across our city-region.”
Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Salford and Co-Deputy Chair of the Innovation Greater Manchester Board, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Andrew into this crucial role; his valuable expertise will help drive forward our shared vision of establishing Greater Manchester as a powerhouse of innovation.
"We're looking forward to working closely with our partners over the next phase of the partnership to shape impactful, sustainable growth through a thriving innovation ecosystem."
Andrew formally takes up his position as Chair of the IGM Board from Tuesday 1 July 2025.
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