CPI appoints Hunada Nouss OBE as Non-Executive Director

12 May 2026

CPI has appointed experienced business and public sector leader Hunada Nouss OBE to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director, strengthening the organisation’s strategic and governance expertise as it supports UK innovation and growth.

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Throughout her career, Hunada has developed expertise in driving strategic focus, performance improvement, and organisational change across complex organisations in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

She has considerable finance and business leader experience in global organisations, including Diageo and Burger King Corporation, working across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Hunada also moved into Whitehall, taking on Director General Finance roles within government, before going on to hold a broad portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles. These include serving as Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee at the Met Office and Market Operator Services Ltd., and an Audit Committee member at The Royal Society. She is also currently the independent Audit Committee Chair of the COVID-19 Public Inquiry.

Hunada was awarded an OBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List in recognition of her public service, particularly her contributions to education through board and committee roles across the education sector. These include Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, the Department of Education, and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

At CPI, Hunada will bring strategic, financial, and governance expertise to support the organisation as it continues to strengthen its role in helping businesses translate innovation into commercial and societal impact.

Hunada is particularly interested in CPI’s role in helping the UK address one of its long-standing challenges – turning world-leading science and innovation into commercially successful products and industries. She sees CPI as playing an important role within the UK’s growth agenda by helping innovative businesses scale up, strengthening regional economies, and supporting the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in science and innovation.

She is also passionate about CPI’s role in the North East of England and the organisation’s contribution to regional growth and industrial transformation. With family ties to the region’s manufacturing heritage through her father’s business in Stockton-on-Tees, Hunada sees CPI’s work as part of a wider story of innovation and industrial renewal in the North East.

Hunada is keen to support CPI in identifying and building on its strengths, from its facilities and technical expertise to its collaborative ways of working and strong partnerships across academia, industry, government, and investors.

Commenting on her appointment, Hunada said:

“CPI is a hugely exciting organisation with an important role to play in helping the UK translate innovation into real-world impact. What particularly drew me to CPI was its ambition to leverage science, technology, and innovation to create value for people, industry, and society.

“The UK has an outstanding track record in science and innovation, but historically, we have not always been as successful at commercialising those ideas at scale. CPI sits right at the heart of addressing that challenge by helping organisations bridge the gap between innovation and industry.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to support CPI as it continues to evolve and strengthen its contribution to UK growth, regional prosperity, and industrial innovation.”

Frank Millar, CEO of CPI, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Hunada to the CPI Board. She brings an exceptional breadth of experience across business, government, finance, and organisational leadership, alongside a strong track record of supporting strategic change in complex organisations.

“Hunada’s insight into both the public and private sectors will be incredibly valuable as CPI continues to strengthen its role within the UK innovation ecosystem and support businesses to scale and commercialise new technologies. Her collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and governance expertise will make her a fantastic addition to the Board.”

Jennie Younger, Chair of CPI’s Board, said:

“Hunada’s appointment further strengthens the breadth of expertise and experience across the CPI Board. Her background spanning major international businesses, Whitehall, and a wide range of non-executive roles gives her a valuable perspective on strategy, governance, and organisational performance.

“She also brings a genuine passion for the North East and for the role organisations like CPI can play in driving regional growth and industrial transformation. We are very pleased to welcome Hunada to the Board and look forward to working with her as CPI continues to deliver impact for industry and society.”