Institute of Food Research appoints new chairman

Brears takes up the role on the Norwich Research Park, following the retirement of Peter Lillford from the IFR board.

Brears is currently chief executive of biopharmaceutical firm Xention and md of Provesica, a spin-out of Xention.

Before this, he was chief executive of Gendaq, a company focused on the development of zinc finger proteins, for three years. From 1993 to 1999 he was director of licensing at Ciba-Geigy (later Novartis) Agribusiness in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

‘Delighted’​

Brears said he was “delighted”​ to be joining the board. “Through its internationally recognised research, the Institute plays a vital and unique role in supporting a key sector that is fundamental for human health and is constantly on the political agenda,”​ Brears added.

David Boxer, IFR ceo, said: “Tim brings a very valuable combination of entrepreneurial and academic experience to help us drive academic excellence, grow the Institute and help commercialise opportunities.”​