04.03.26, LONDON, Connected Places Catapult has today announced the selection of Neil Sachdev MBE as Chair of its Board.

Sachdev’s appointment comes as outgoing Chair, Professor Greg Clark CBE, steps down after serving the full tenure of six years. Since joining at the height of the COVID pandemic in April 2020, Clark has overseen a wide range of strategic and governance milestones for the business through a time of significant change. This included the completion of a government-mandated merger of two Catapults, setting a unified strategic direction for the combined organisation, transitioning to a new Executive Leadership Team and the appointment of a new CEO, expanding the Catapult’s regional reach across the UK, and securing long-term funding stability.

Sachdev brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent decades working across the public and private sectors, with specialisms spanning property, construction, transport, energy and retail.

His current positions include Chair of the HM Land Registry Board and Non-Executive Chair at the East West Railway Company. He is also a Commissioner and Non-Executive Director of the Forestry Commission and the Chair of Natural Resources Wales.

Previous roles include member of the Construction Leadership Council, Chair of the Energy Saving Trust, and a non-executive director of Network Rail Property. He also has held director roles at FTSE 100 companies, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Sachdev joins Connected Places Catapult as the organisation sharpens its focus on supporting individual businesses that have high potential to grow and scale in transport and construction.

Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult said:

“On behalf of everyone at Connected Places Catapult, I warmly thank Greg Clark for his dedicated stewardship over the last six years. He set a new strategic direction for the business after the merger of two Catapults, contributed to growing our reach across the UK, and improved our sustainability. I wish him well in his new adventures as he ends his tenure with us.
 
"I am excited to welcome Neil Sachdev as our new Chair. Neil has spent decades working across property, transport, infrastructure, energy and retail in both the public and private sectors. Neil is passionate about supporting businesses that matter and delivering outcomes that genuinely improve lives, places and prosperity. I look forward to working with Neil to further accelerate innovation and business growth across the UK."

Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult

“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of Connected Places Catapult and look forward to working with an exceptionally talented team. The Catapult plays a vital role in helping innovative UK businesses turn ideas into real-world impact, supporting growth, improving places, and strengthening the UK’s economic future. I look forward to bringing my experience across transport, construction, property and infrastructure to support the Board and Executive team as we build on strong foundations and help more businesses scale and succeed.”

Neil Sachdev MBE, incoming Chair of the Board at Connected Places Catapult

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Connected Places Catapult over the last six years and I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved during a time of significant change and growth for the organisation. I warmly welcome the appointment of Neil Sachdev as the new Chair and I wish Neil, the rest of the Board, and colleagues from across the business every success on the road ahead.”

Prof. Greg Clark CBE, outgoing Chair of the Board at Connected Places Catapult

Neil Sachdev MBE will begin his tenure as Chair of Connected Places Catapult’s Board on Wednesday 1 April 2026. He will serve on a renewable three-year mandate.