East Malling Research (EMR) chief executive Professor Peter Gregory has announced he is to step down at the end of April 2015 to pursue academic and other interests.
Gregory becomes the second major research figure to step down this week after Mylnefield Research Services MD Dr Nigel Kerby announced he would also be leaving his organisation in April.
Gregory joined EMR in May 2011 and has been credited with improving the future prospects of the organisation. He is now expected to dedicated more time to the range of other national and scientific positions he holds.
“Without doubt, EMR will be forever grateful for the legacy Peter will be leaving,' said EMR chairman Frank Attwood.'His achievements in his time at EMR have been nothing short of outstanding: EMR is now back on the international fruit-research platform with a strong team delivering 30 per cent year-on-year increases in R&D revenues.
“Peter has put EMR on a very positive trajectory – the vibrancy of the organisation, detected by all in the fruit industry, is testament to his hard work and guidance over the years – something East Malling and the wider fruit-growing sector will be ever grateful for.”
EMR is currently working with the East Malling Trust to formulate the next stages of East Malling’s development. No successor to Gregory has yet been announced.
Will Sibley, chairman of the East Malling Trust, added, “Peter came to East Malling Research at a very difficult time, following the withdrawal of direct public-sector funding support. He has driven the reputation of the organisation to new heights and provided stability – especially through the formation, development and delivery of a cohesive Science Strategy aimed at providing vital R&D to the horticultural industry.”
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