Tech City UK appoints Passion Capital’s Eileen Burbidge as new chair

Tech City UK, the government-backed initiative to support Britain’s digital economy, has announced the appointment of a new chair, as well as additions to its board.

Founding partner of Passion Capital Eileen Burbidge will succeed Baroness Joanna Shields as chair, following her appointment as minister for internet safety and security by prime minister David Cameron in May. Burbidge was also recently appointed to the prime minister’s Business Advisory Group, as well as the government’s special envoy for financial technology.

Alongside CEO Gerard Grech, Burbidge will be responsible for increasing the momentum of Tech City UK’s ambition to nurture the growth of digital clusters nationwide, by liaising with representatives in politics and the digital sector.

The new chair has already established an entrepreneur advisory panel, which brings together successful names from across Britain’s digital landscape – including Zoopla’s Alex Chesterman and Just-Eat’s David Buttress – to help ensure the organisation has the correct strategy in place to support tech start-ups.

Tech City UK has also seen four new additions to its board including founding partner at the LocalGlobe fund Robin Klein, vice president of technology, media & telecoms at Barclays UK Tim Luke, co-founder and former CEO of website builder Moonfruit Wendy Tan-White, and vice president marketing Google for Europe, Middle East and Africa and emerging markets Yonca Brunini.

Established in 2010 to support East London’s digital cluster, Tech City UK expanded its remit to the rest of the country in 2014. The organisation has been responsible for several programmes designed to foster the growth of digital businesses including Digital Business Academy, Future Fifty, Tech Nation, Tech North and HQUK.

Cameron commented: “Digital business and the rapid developments in technology are a key part of our long-term economic plan to support the industries of the future – creating jobs and building a more resilient economy.

“Eileen Burbidge will be a fantastic appointment, her knowledge and experience of the digital landscape will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of this innovative industry.”

Burbidge added: “I first moved to London in 2004 to join the team at a very young Skype. Since then, the UK’s technology scene has changed beyond all recognition, and has certainly benefitted in recent years from the efforts of the Tech City UK organisation.

“From my role at Passion Capital, I’ve witnessed first-hand the impact that Gerard and his team can make for digital businesses at all stages. I’m hugely excited to be joining and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the Tech City UK success story to deliver even greater impact and uplift for the digital economy in Britain.”