Mr Gilbert worked for 35 years as a senior partner in Birmingham based law firm Wragge & Co. The role led to him sitting on the board as non-executive chairman, of a number of private and publicly quoted companies such as Welding Technical Services, B&C Water Fittings and Plumb Holdings.
Bob Gilbert, Chairman of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre
Mr Gilbert’s positions have spanned across a variety of different fields, including automotive, manufacturing and digital. Currently, he is chairman of Paintbox Group and also the Government’s Intellectual Property Office. Mr Gilbert will continue his current positions alongside his new role.
Commenting on his appointment, Bob Gilbert said: “The High Value Manufacturing Catapult is a bold new concept which will undoubtedly change the landscape of manufacturing in the UK.”
“I look forward to playing my part in the provision of cutting edge technology, equipment, investment and the necessary skills to ensure that manufacturing plays its proper part in the Government’s growth agenda” he added.
Mr Gilbert will chair the Supervisory Board of High Value Manufacturing Catapult which assists UK businesses to innovate and bring new cutting edge commercial products to market to help grow the UK’s manufacturing base.
Iain Gray, chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board said: “We are delighted that Bob will be joining the Catapult team. As a proven leader and experienced board chairman, he will make a valuable contribution to help realise the vision for the Catapult which will help the growth of high value manufacturing in the UK.”
The Catapult is part of a network of world-leading technology and innovation centres established and overseen by the Technology Strategy Board. It brings together seven institutions of excellence to support UK manufacturing which include:
- Advanced Forming Research Centre (University of Strathclyde
- Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (University of Sheffield)
- Centre for Process Innovation(Wilton & Sedgefield)
- Manufacturing Technology Centre (Coventry)
- National Composites Centre (University of Bristol)
- Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (University of Manchester and Sheffield)
- Warwick Manufacturing Group (University of Warwick)
