Written by 
The Board of Human Recognition Systems (HRS) has confirmed the appointment of John Tonkiss in the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) taking responsibility for the Company’s strategic relationships and partnerships moving forward.
John Tonkiss is succeeding Neil Norman who has served Human Recognition Systems as CEO since founding the company in 2001. Effective from the 20th August 2012 Mr. Norman is to assume a new strategic position within the Company as Founder, Vice Chairman and Head of Innovation.
Incoming Chief Executive Mr. Tonkiss started his career at Lucas Industries as an Electronics and Software Engineer within their automotive business, before moving on to a number of operational and plant managerial roles. In 2001 he joined the relatively unknown UNITE Group plc, to set up its innovative modular manufacturing facility. During Mr. Tonkiss’ time with the group he undertook a number of senior management roles, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Today UNITE is a FTSE 250 listed company and the UK’s leading provider of purpose built student accommodation with over 1000 employees.
The Chairman of the Board, Geoffrey Maddrell commented “I am very pleased that John has joined Human Recognition Systems as the company prepares to move to a much greater scale with increasing international focus. This has enabled Neil to undertake a new role within the business where he is well placed to exert reinforced force on leading the key components in our values, notably innovation.”
Committed to focusing on strategy and product innovation, Founder Neil Norman said “With the full potential of this business now apparent, it is important that we position innovation at the heart of our strategy. With John at the helm, I can now do this with renewed vigour and I look forward to working with our new CEO to accelerate the growth of HRS.”
On moving back to his technical roots, John Tonkiss added “I am really thrilled about joining Human Recognition Systems at this exciting time and am looking forward to working with the whole team in delivering a bright future”