Renowned smart cities pioneer joins Connected Places Catapult as Chief Business Officer to drive new industry partnerships and collaborations in the connected places market

Paul Wilson joins Connected Places Catapult on 1^st April as Chief Business Officer to drive deeper engagement across the UK’s innovation ecosystem, generate new opportunities for UK businesses and further expand the Catapult’s contribution to UK economic growth. 

Paul brings with him over 25 years’ experience working in smart cities and digital innovation. As the co-founder of Bristol Is Open, he created the world’s first ‘open programmable city’ and went on to co-create the widely endorsed ‘City as a Platform Manifesto’ at TM Forum, the global industry association for digital transformation of the telecoms sector, where he became Chief Marketing Officer. He also co-founded UK5G, the national innovation network dedicated to 5G ecosystem development in the UK and he currently chairs the advisory board of Smart Cities World.  Prior to this Paul developed his understanding of the impact of technology on the global economy during fifteen years as Chief Marketing Officer at fintech giant, SunGard Financial Systems.

Nicola Yates OBE, Chief Executive of Connected Places Catapult, commented: “Paul is a great addition to our senior leadership team and brings with him extensive experience of leadership in digital innovation and smart cities as well as strong pedigree in driving international commercial impact. His in-depth knowledge of the industry and global ecosystem and ability to build strong collaborations across academia, industry, government departments and local authorities makes him ideally placed to help drive our mission and develop our impact across the UK and internationally."   

Paul Wilson, Chief Business Officer, Connected Places Catapult, said: "Worldwide, transport and the built environment create more than a third of greenhouse gasses. The Connected Places Catapult’s role in helping to move the UK towards net zero while supporting place-based innovation around the country and re-positioning the UK internationally, is a gripping mandate. The Connected Places Catapult is moving into its stride and is set to play a meaningful role in the country’s post-Covid green and digital recovery. It’s an exciting time to join the Catapult and I am looking forward to playing my part in the challenge and the opportunity ahead."

About Connected Places Catapult 

The Connected Places Catapult represents a diverse team which combines extensive experience across the cities, mobility, urban innovation and transport sectors seeking to created Connected Places which are fit for the future. Check back regularly as we will be adding more profiles soon.