SIR DAVID STERLING JOINS THE BOARD OF CATALYST 

Catalyst has today announced the appointment of Sir David Sterling, former head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, to its board.  

Catalyst is an independent, non-profit science and technology hub with a vision of ‘opportunity for all from world-leading innovation’ and supporting entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland from its hubs in Belfast and Derry. 

The board, led by Chairman Neil Crockett, includes people with a diversity of innovation, political and business expertise and works closely with Catalyst’s executive team to guide it on its mission to become the best place in Northern Ireland to innovate and collaborate. 

Sir David is the former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) and previously served in a variety of other senior roles for the NICS. In 2020, he was awarded Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath for services to Government in Northern Ireland. In 2024, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Queen’s University, Belfast for distinction in public service and was admitted to membership of the Royal Irish Academy in May 2025 

Sir David’s other current non-executive roles include chairing the board of NIE Networks and the Northern Ireland Screen Commission. He is also a board member of the Ulster Wildlife Trust, the Centre for Cross-Border Cooperation, and Inspire Wellbeing , as well as a governor of the Irish Times Trust.  

Sir David Sterling said:  “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Catalyst.  It is an organisation I have long admired for the contribution it makes to fostering innovation and entrepreneurialism in Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with the Catalyst team to help build on current success and grow the local economy for the benefit of all.” 

Neil Crockett, Chairman of Catalyst said: “It is fantastic to have Sir David joining the board of Catalyst and adding his expertise and unique perspective on Northern Ireland to a group that is committed to helping entrepreneurial businesses flourish. 

“David brings a tremendous amount of experience from his career in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, which will be very valuable as we work with the executive team to implement Catalyst’s strategic objective of enabling opportunity for all from world-class innovation.”  

For more information, please email:
Jamie Stinson, Head of Brand and Marketing, Catalyst
jamie.stinson@wearecatalyst.org