Benjamin Story Appointed Chair of Digital Catapult
Aaron Blutstein 12 January 2026 
Digital Catapult has confirmed the appointment of Benjamin Story as its new Chair, placing an experienced industrial and financial strategist at the head of the UK’s national deep-tech innovation organisation.
Story has held senior roles across engineering-intensive sectors, most notably as a member of Rolls-Royce’s Executive Committee, where he oversaw strategic transformation and digitalisation initiatives. Prior to his move into industry, he spent over two decades in investment banking, culminating in his position as Head of UK Investment Banking at Citigroup. His advisory work covered a wide range of major engineering and transport businesses, including Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Leonardo, Siemens and Virgin Group.
His background also includes public-sector and regulatory experience, having advised on numerous international privatisations and served on the Board of Transport for London. He currently acts as a Venture Partner at New Vista Capital, is a Non-Executive Director at Vertical Aerospace and is a trustee of Reach South Academy Trust.
In remarks accompanying the announcement, Story said he aims to support the translation of advanced technologies into commercial use, highlighting the importance of bridging established industry with emerging deep-tech firms.
Digital Catapult’s Chief Executive, Susan Bowen, noted that the organisation supported more than 300 UK companies in progressing deep-tech adoption last year and said Story’s appointment would help extend that impact. She also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Co-Chairs Priya Guha and Keith Underwood and emphasised the continued backing of Innovate UK.
Tom Adeyoola, Executive Chair at Innovate UK, said the organisation looks forward to working with Story to accelerate the growth of UK technology companies, particularly those with potential to scale rapidly.
Digital Catapult operates within the Innovate UK Catapult Network and focuses on helping businesses integrate advanced technologies such as AI, next-generation communications, quantum and immersive systems. Story’s arrival is expected to reinforce efforts to align technological development with the needs and challenges of UK industry.
