CEO Professor Mario Caccamo leaving Niab

Professor Mario Caccamo has accepted a new international leadership role at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as one of the inaugural Translational Professors, a newly established senior faculty track designed to accelerate KAUST’s strategic shift toward impact-driven, applied research.

Mario joined Niab in 2015 as Head of Crop Bioinformatics, later becoming Managing Director of NIAB EMR before being appointed Chief Executive in 2021. Over the past decade, he has played a key role in expanding Niab’s research capabilities, strengthening its service provision, and guiding the organisation through a period of significant transformation.

His leadership has been central to Niab’s recent transformation programme which has aligned the organisation more closely with its mission of translating scientific advances into practical, robust solutions for farmers and growers. Niab is now positioned to deliver even greater impact across the agrifood sector.

Dr David Buckeridge, Chair of the Niab Board, said: “As one of the UK’s largest and most highly regarded agricultural institutes,  Niab is recognised for the collaborative, scientific capabilities that our people deliver. We are ideally positioned to collaborate with the UK’s outstanding universities and research institutes with world-class discovery capabilities. Our role is to rigorously test, develop, regulate and accelerate innovation into the hands of practitioners — ensuring that advances work not just in the laboratory, but in real farming environments.  

“Over 40 years in the life sciences industry have taught me that the disciplines required to develop robust, fit-for-purpose products and services are distinct from those that drive early-stage discovery and creative exploration.    

“On behalf of the Board and the NIAB Trust, I would like to thank Mario for his outstanding leadership and the exceptional contribution he has made to Niab. He leaves the organisation in a very strong position, and we wish him every success in his new role.”

Reflecting on his time at Niab, Mario said: “It has been an honour to have led Niab through a period of positive transformation – firstly at East Malling and then across the entire organisation. I’m grateful to colleagues and partners for their support as we ensure a smooth handover.”

Mario will remain in post until the summer while the Board begins the search for his successor, ensuring continuity during the transition.