Nigel Perry steps down as CEO of CPI; Frank Millar appointed as successor

CPI has today announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Perry MBE FREng will step down at the end of March 2020. Frank Millar, CPI’s Chief Operating Officer has been appointed his successor and will take on the role of CEO from April 2020.

Nigel steps down after 17 years at CPI where he has grown the organisation from inception to a leading provider of innovation services employing over 450 scientists, engineers, business specialists and support staff. Under Nigel’s leadership, CPI has provided thousands of businesses and partners with support and services to accelerate the translation of research and ideas into viable manufacturing processes and innovative new products.

Nigel Perry said: “Today I am announcing my decision to step down as CPI’s CEO. I am incredibly proud of all that CPI has achieved as an invaluable and reliable partner for small businesses, universities and large corporates, helping them to drive their innovations forward. It has been a privilege to create and lead such an exciting organisation that provides a tangible impact for businesses across the country.

“I am delighted that our Board has appointed Frank Millar as my successor. This announcement comes after two years of rigorous succession planning and strengthening of CPI’s leadership team to ensure our continued success as a company.

“Frank is a proven leader with a clear and inspiring vision for CPI, strong core values, a track record of delivery and the ability to bring people together. These qualities are fundamental as the company enters its next chapter, and there is nobody better to lead CPI into the future.”

Frank Millar said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as CEO at such an exciting time for our business. CPI is a special company with a long history of providing valuable support to businesses in the UK and beyond, helping to translate their research and ideas into economically viable products and processes. We are an organisation led by a purpose – to make a positive, meaningful impact for UK businesses and our local and national economies. I will continue to live our values, develop our culture of innovation and champion our people to fulfil their passion to make a difference.”

Jennie Younger, Non-Executive Chairman of CPI, said “The Board is delighted to have appointed Frank Millar as the new CEO. Building on his already-significant contributions to the company’s success, this appointment sustains strong leadership at the helm of CPI by continuing to champion our people and deliver value to our partners and customers.  

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Nigel for his outstanding leadership and express my utmost gratitude for his commitment and enormous contribution to CPI.”

CPI was created in 2003 and is a founding member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult; a network of world-leading technology and innovation centres designed to transform the UK’s capability for innovation in specific technology areas and markets in order to drive future economic growth.