UK Research and Innovation hires CFO to help deliver UK industrial strategy

Kenyon, who has been CFO at Cancer Research UK for four years, will work closely with UKRI chief executive Mark Walport to establish the organisation and ensure it plays a central role in delivering the government’s industrial strategy.

As CFO, Kenyon will ensure the UKRI operates efficiently and effectively as a unified body, enabling it to maximise opportunities for the UK’s world-class research and innovation base.

Announcing the appointment, science minister Jo Johnson said: “Ian’s extensive experience in both the private and charity sectors means he is the perfect choice to handle UKRI’s financial management and ensure we are supporting the continued success of the UK’s innovative research base in its efforts to address global challenges.”

Prior to joining Cancer Research UK in 2013, Kenyon was group finance director at HMV. Before this he was CFO at Carphone Warehouse between 2008 and 2012, his LinkedIn profile states.

On his appointment, Kenyon said: "UKRI represents a huge opportunity for the UK, building on the successes and world-class science, arts and humanities that we already deliver, as well as to work more collaboratively and across research disciplines to benefit everyone in the UK and more widely.”