Chris Pomfret has been appointed the chair of Falmouth University’s board of governors.

Following a career in global and regional roles at Unilever, specialising in marketing, brand strategy and innovation, Chris has held numerous non-executive positions, and also operates an independent consultancy focused on marketing, brands and consumer understanding.

He has been chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership since its inception in 2011. In this role, he has secured substantial public funds in a bid to drive economic growth in the county and has overseen strategy development for UK and EU economic development funds for 2015-2020.

Chris said: “It’s an exciting moment to take over, with Falmouth enjoying considerable success following the achievement of university title, and at a time when the specialisms of Falmouth – creativity and innovation - have never been more relevant to the needs of the economy here in the UK, and internationally.”

Chris is a member of the advisory board for the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health, and is a trustee of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.

From 2005 to 2012, he served as a senior associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership at Cambridge University.

James Williams, the current chair of the board, said: “Chris Pomfret, as incoming chair of the board, brings qualities and experience that will be of great value to the university in the years ahead.”

Chris will take up the post in the autumn, when James completes his eight year term of office.