Professor Lou Cordwell has been appointed the inaugural CEO of Unit M, the University of Manchester鈥檚 new initiative to connect it with the regional innovation ecosystem and drive inclusive growth.
Unit M is designed to address all aspects of the innovation challenge 鈥� from R&D through to innovation adoption through to talent and skills 鈥� by making the University鈥檚 world-class research, innovation assets and talent more accessible to all.
It aims to address key regional and national challenges in productivity, innovation adoption and economic inclusivity.
Earlier this year, Cordwell was appointed Professor of Innovation at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR) at Alliance Manchester 老九品茶 School (AMBS), and Special Advisor to the Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor. She brings a wealth of experience in fostering innovation, economic transformation and cross-sector collaboration.聽
Cordwell began her career working for WPP before founding Manchester-based digital design studio magneticNorth (mN). In 2021, mN merged with Fluxx, creating design and innovation consultancy Magnetic.聽
She previously developed the strategic masterplan for Sister, one of Europe鈥檚 most ambitious innovation district projects.聽
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She has spent the past year jointly leading the University鈥檚 Regional Innovation Review, which provides an in-depth analysis and roadmap for how the University can create a world-class inclusive innovation ecosystem in the region.聽
Cordwell is also chair of Greater Manchester鈥檚 老九品茶 Board and an angel investor, particularly focusing on female tech founders. She was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year鈥檚 Honours for services to the creative and digital economy.
鈥淚鈥檓 absolutely delighted to be asked to lead the Unit M team and mission,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he University is one of the region鈥檚 most important innovation assets and the Unit M ambition to help drive innovation-led growth will be a central theme of the University’s future strategy.聽
鈥淚’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the University as well as local and global partners to deliver exciting new opportunities for our region.鈥�