A dynamic science leader and former Army officer has been appointed to continue to drive forward the thriving Central Technology Belt (CTB) between Malvern and Birmingham.
Alan White, who reached the rank of major during his decade in the Army, has spent the past four years as head of business development at Aston Science Park. He has now been brought in to add his expertise and enthusiasm to the CTB.
The CTB is driving the region's high-tech renaissance by promoting high-tech industry and scientific developments among companies from the Malvern Science Park, in the south, to Birmingham and Aston Science Park, in the north.
Mr White has a BSc (Hons) degree in genetics and a masters in business administration, on top of his years of experience dealing with ICT and CTB projects at Aston Science Park.
He said: "It is a very exciting time for the area and, having worked as part of the CTB before, I am delighted to have the opportunity to get even more hands-on in my new role.
"Not only are CTB companies making ground-breaking findings, which put the global spotlight on the region, but they're also developing useful, practical technology which helps support growth in other local businesses."
After completing his training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, he served in a number of Parachute and Training Regiments in Lichfield, as well as the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.
During his decade in the Army, between 1991 and 2001, Mr White served in Cyprus, Kenya and Borneo, as well as managing 280 personnel on operations in Northern Ireland.
On leaving the armed forces he began work at Aston Science Park and also became interested in local politics.
Today, Mr White is still heavily involved in the local community, sitting as both a councillor and cabinet member on Lichfield District Council and as the chairman of the Joint Waste Management Board Staffordshire.
He is also a chairman of a school parent teacher association.
