Gareth Scargill

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT GARETH SCARGILL

As Director of Nexus at the University of Leeds, I lead our mission to accelerate innovation by bringing together the brightest minds from industry, academia, and the entrepreneurial community. With more than 20 years’ experience across commercial leadership, operations, and business development, I specialise in building high‑performing teams, cultivating partnerships, and enabling Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) to scale and thrive.At Nexus, I oversee a multidisciplinary team spanning business engagement, operations, collaboration, and community development. Together, we connect ambitious companies with the world‑class research, talent, and expertise of the University of Leeds, as well as the wider regional and national innovation ecosystem. Our goal is simple: to turn ideas into impact by removing barriers, accelerating growth, and nurturing a community where innovation can flourish.My career in the innovation sector began after a decade in the health and fitness industry, where I developed a deep appreciation for customer experience, operational excellence, and team leadership. I later joined Oxford Innovation Space as a General Manager before progressing to Commercial Director & Business Development Director, supporting a network of 30 innovation centres across the UK. This experience shaped my ability to empower both the businesses we serve and the colleagues who support them.I hold an MBA from Henley Business School and am a proud graduate of the University of Leeds. This blend of academic grounding and extensive practical experience gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that define the innovation landscape.At Nexus, we focus particularly on high-potential areas such as HealthTech and Smart Cities, harnessing regional strengths and leveraging the University’s research excellence to drive meaningful economic and societal outcomes.I’m passionate about helping organisations innovate with confidence, build meaningful partnerships, and achieve sustainable growth. If you\'re interested in collaborating or exploring how Nexus can support your innovation journey, I’d love to connect.