Sir Keith O'Nions, Director General of Science and Innovation announces appointment to UK Intellectual Property Office's Steering Board

Sir Keith O'Nions, Director General of Science and Innovation, has approved the appointment of David Roberts as a Non-Executive Director of the UK-IPO Steering Board. David is shortly to retire as Senior Vice President of IP at Glaxo SmithKline. He has 40 years experience covering a wide range of IP subject matter. For the past 26 years David has been head of the IP department of Glaxo SmithKline based in London and Philadelphia.

Announcing the appointment Sir Kieth said;

"Those serving on the Steering Board play an important role in advising and providing guidance from a commercial standpoint on the operation and development of the Agency across a range of issues.

I am grateful to the hard work and commitment of those who serve on the Board and welcome David who I am sure will make an important contribution to the future of the UK Intellectual Property Office."

Ian Fletcher, Chief Executive of The UK Intellectual Property Office said;

"I warmly welcome the news of David’s appointment and look forward to working with him in the future. His extensive experience of IP and his enthusiasm for this role will mean he is an excellent member of the UK-IPO Steering Board".

Editors' notes:

• The UK Intellectual Property Office is an Executive Agency of DTI within OSI and responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patent, designs, trade marks and copyright.
• David replaces Richard Abnett who retired as Non-Executive Director of the Steering Board in April 2007.

Date of release: 16 May 2007