After 12 months leading PraxisAuril into a new phase of its development, David Russell is stepping down in March as CEO of the organisation. He will be succeeded as Interim CEO by Dr Stuart Wilkinson RTTP, currently Assistant Director of Innovation and Engagement at the University of Oxford, and a Board member of PraxisAuril.
David became only the second permanent CEO of PraxisAuril in March 2023, and has led a 12-month business transformation programme that has put the organisation on a new trajectory as the Knowledge Exchange sector’s Professional Body. The team has strengthened and grown in capacity, the financial health of the organisation is excellent, and a new ambitious strategy has been set in train that will culminate in the unveiling of a new brand and renewed mission at the Blackpool Conference in June 2024.
Stuart Wilkinson has worked in the KE sector for over 20 years championing projects in regional innovation ecosystem building, social and inclusive enterprise, IP commercialisation, and developing strategic knowledge exchange partnerships. During that time he has worked across academic disciplines, and managed relationships with key stakeholders in local and central government; universities across the UK and beyond; business; funders and investment communities. He has personally driven the creation of several successful new ventures, incubators, funds, and training initiatives all with the common objective of accelerating the translation of research into real world impact.
Amanda Selvaratnam, Chair of PraxisAuril, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Stuart will be joining us to lead the team and deliver our exciting and ambitious strategy. As an established strategic leader with a strong background in the sector, Stuart is an excellent appointment for PraxisAuril and I very much look forward to working with him. I’d like to thank David for his highly successful leadership of the business transformation programme which has advanced PraxisAuril’s position as the Knowledge Exchange sector’s Professional Body, and I wish him well for his next challenge.”
Stuart Wilkinson said: “Throughout my career I have always appreciated the impact PraxisAuril has had on the profession. I am very much looking forward to building on the transformation programme and bringing to life the strategy that will enable PraxisAuril to continue to play its crucial role in supporting the profession to have significant positive impacts on society and the economy.”
David is leaving to take up a new role as Senior Director, Government Relations UK at Pearson, the global education company.