NIAB has announced that world-renowned plant scientist Professor Wayne Powell has accepted an offer to become the new CEO. He will take up this post early in 2005.

Having previously worked for Dupont in the USA, where he had responsibility for developing strategic alliances with publicly funded research organisations, Professor Powell has a passion for bringing science into the commercial market place.

Professor Powell will provide powerful leadership for NIAB, bridging the gap between plant science and the provision of practical services for agricultural and other plant based industries.

These include a wide range of exciting new genetic and molecular biology services for an increasingly wide customer base.

Professor Powell's expertise in plant molecular biology is built on training and experience in classical plant breeding. His recent research has involved wheat and barley genetics, but he also has experience of a wide range of other crops and non-crop species.

Professor Powell is currently the Head of the School of Agriculture and Wine at the University of Adelaide in Australia. Prior to that, he had been Deputy Director of the Scottish Crop Research Institute.

Professor Powell will take over as CEO from Professor Brian Legg, who is retiring in March next year.

Professor Powell's appointment follows the recent election of Tony Pexton as the new Chairman of NIAB's Board.

Together, they will be overseeing the on-going transformation of NIAB into a science-based company that will continue to succeed in a competitive market. This organisational and cultural transformation has been led by Professor Legg over the past five years.

Mr Tony Pexton, NSch. FRAgS, said: "We are delighted to have attracted a leader of Wayne Powell's calibre to NIAB. He combines world class plant science with an understanding of the agricultural industries, and is committed to research that will bring practical benefits to NIAB's customers.