THE owner of The Heath Business and Technical Park, in Runcorn, has appointed a new operations director.

Charles Davies, a former project manager, will join the board of SOG, taking the place of Tony Banner, who retired at the end of June.

Mr Davies, who began his career as an electrician with ICI in 1988, transferred to SOG when the company took over the former ICI chemicals headquarters in 2000.

Since then, SOG has transformed the location into one of the UK’s most successful independently-run business and science parks.

After working his way to project manager in 2004, Mr Davies has now achieved his ambition to become director before his 55th birthday.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled with my appointment.

“I have always had the drive and ambition to work my way up to the top of the ladder, and had set myself a deadline of being appointed onto the board by the time I was 55.

“I have achieved that a year early and I am delighted.”

Mr Davies, who took up his new role on July 1, has an extensive remit which includes human resources, health and safety, project management and operational duties.

SOG managing director, John Lewis, said: “One of the keys to our business model has revolved around protecting the skills base from the ICI days.”