New Chief Operating Officer for the Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute announces Mark Driver as their new Chief Operating Officer.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research institute dedicated to developing new technologies to tackle important health research challenges.
Vivienne Cox, the Chair of the Franklin’s Board, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Mark Driver as COO – I am sure that his wealth of experience will be a great asset to the Franklin. He joins us at a pivotal moment as we endeavour to build on the progress we have made in our first five years, continue to do great science and push forward our vision for atomic pathology.”
Mark is joining the Franklin after 10 years in Public Health England and the UK Health Security Agency, spending most of his time as a Deputy Chief Operating Officer, working alongside and in partnership with scientists, clinicians and other professional groups, to ensure delivery of vital public health services. This was preceded by over 4 years in the National Health Service during which Mark operated in senior roles at local and regional level, including a plethora of programme, project and operational work. His first career was in the Royal Air Force during which he served in the UK and abroad, commanding a front-line Squadron and Wing, and working in three different appointments in the Ministry of Defence, where he completed his service as a Group Captain. In 2014 Mark was appointed to and continues to serve in His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.
Mark is hugely motivated by the science and research achievements and ambitions of his colleagues and is looking forward to building on the early success of the Institute and being part of the team that enables further transformational scientific achievements. He brings with him considerable experience of operational delivery, close partnership working with leading scientists and clinicians, and the leadership and support of highly effective multidisciplinary teams working to address health related challenges.
Mark Driver, COO, said, “I am delighted to be joining the Franklin, and recognise the tremendous efforts of my colleagues and those that preceded us, in establishing the Institute, building a fine science research facility, and creating the solid foundations of good science and collaborative working, that will enable further success in the years ahead. I am highly motivated by this role and the opportunity to shape, support and deliver great science that informs how we prevent and respond to known and new health challenges”.