Wednesday 04 March 2015
Mike Culverwell has been appointed by the Commerce and Employment Department, on an interim basis, to lead the implementation of the Digital Greenhouse over the coming months.
Mike will be the first point of contact for industry and an intermediary with Government as the project moves from concept to implementation. The main focus of the role will be to fast-track the development of some of the Greenhouse's core features and to develop the structure that will underpin the growth and success of the project. Mike will commence the role of Business Development and Implementation Director with immediate effect.
"I am delighted to be appointed to this interim role and look forward to working with the many people in business, the community and government to successfully launch the Digital Greenhouse," says Mr Culverwell. "It is exciting to be part of creating what will be an important catalyst for business as our economy, sectors and opportunities continue to evolve."
Mike has been a director of several European innovation and design consultancies and has experience leading strategic growth plans across multi-disciplinary teams. Over the last 15 years Mike has worked across a diverse range of industry sectors where technology and digital has been a major component in delivering new, multi-channel products and services.
Deputy Kevin Stewart, Minister, Commerce and Employment said, "I am delighted Mike will be taking up this post at such a crucial time. I very much hope that businesses take the opportunity to further share their ideas, business experiences and identify how the project really will add value to business growth, as well as encourage start-ups. Mike will work to create synergies and focus across the many interesting projects that are in development, ranging from e-government to skills initiatives."
An updated more detailed business case will be represented to Treasury & Resources (T&R) during March 2015, after funding was agreed in principle by both Policy Council and T&R towards the end of 2014. It remains the aim that the implementation and delivery phase will commence before the end of quarter two 2015.
