Dr Sherry Kothari has been appointed as the new Chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, succeeding Rt Hon Richard Caborn who steps down at the end of February.

With a distinguished career spanning various roles in life sciences, Sherry brings invaluable expertise and vision to Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

Sherry’s extensive professional journey boasts leadership roles in the UK and Australia, including as chief executive, company director, and a founder and investor in start-up ventures. Her ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments to drive tangible social and economic impacts will support Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in delivering innovative solution-led collaborations.

Sherry said “I am honoured to join Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park as Chair. The Park represents an exciting opportunity to work with wider stakeholders in tackling health and societal challenges and boosting economic growth for the region. I am looking forward to engaging with the team to further the mission and bring about positive change.”

With a clinical background, and academic achievements including a PhD and an MBA from the University of Sheffield, Sherry brings a deep understanding of the relationship between research, health, and industry.

In her previous role as Director of the Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University, she developed and established a regional hub, which brought together multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral stakeholders to focus on social and health inequalities.

Sherry’s commitment to social responsibility is evident through her involvement with organisations like North West Cancer Research, the Design Council, and Active Lancashire, where she has served in advisory and directorial roles.

She is also a member of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Business Advisory Board, working with the Mayor and business leaders from across the region to drive economic growth in South Yorkshire.

Rt Hon Richard Caborn, outgoing Chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, will step down from the role at the end of February after almost a decade leading the vision, creation and growth of the Park and overseeing completion of over £100m of development in the first phase.

Richard said “Sherry’s appointment comes at a pivotal point in the development of the next phase of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, as we continue to advance our mission of creating the leading life sciences park in the north of England.

“This has been an exciting and successful journey so far and I am proud to be passing on the baton to a leader who has the skill set, the knowledge and the drive to deliver the next chapter of the Park.”

“Under the leadership of Sherry, I’m sure the Park will also play a central role in the development of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone.”

Dr Chris Low, Chief Executive of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, said “It’s been a privilege to work with Richard, to see everything he has achieved since the inception of the Park and all the partners he has brought together to work towards common goals.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming Sherry to Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park with her strategic acumen, passion for societal impact, and the ability to generate significant economic activity. I’m excited to work closely with Sherry and confident that her leadership will drive us towards even greater success.”

As Chair, Sherry will lead Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park as it reaches a pivotal point in its development and will oversee the ambitious plans for the future.

Sherry will take up the post from 1 March 2024.

Rt Hon Richard Caborn passes on the baton to new Chair, Dr Sherry Kothari