CAMBRIDGE entrepreneur Dr Robert Swann has been appointed as a new board member of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).Dr Swann, a graduate of the University of Cambridge, was a co-founder of innovative Cambridge semiconductor company Alphamosaic, which has sold more than 25 million multimedia devices worldwide.

CAMBRIDGE entrepreneur Dr Robert Swann has been appointed as a new board member of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Dr Swann, a graduate of the University of Cambridge, was a co-founder of innovative Cambridge semiconductor company Alphamosaic, which has sold more than 25 million multimedia devices worldwide. It products can be found in mobile phones and media players.

Minister of State for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs Pat McFadden announced the 31-month appointment of Dr Swann from May 1. He also announced the re-appointment of existing board members, Peter McCarthy-Ward, William Pope and Lord Edward Iveagh, whose three-year re-appointments will start on December 14.

Mr McFadden said: “The experience and leadership of regional development agency boards are extremely important during these difficult economic times. EEDA's work providing real help for families in the East of England and the businesses on whom they depend for their jobs has never been more vital. They are on the frontline of our response to the global downturn and must make the right interventions and investments to help us emerge stronger."

EEDA chair Richard Ellis, chair of EEDA, welcomed the appointment of Dr Swann and said his wealth of experience in business and innovation would help EEDA and the East of England.

“This region is a national innovation leader and EEDA's priority is to ensure that businesses have targeted support through the tough times, in preparation for the economic upturn,” he said.

“Robert's knowledge will ensure that EEDA's board continues to support the innovative companies which are vital to the regional economy.”

He added: “I am pleased that Peter McCarthy-Ward, William Pope and Lord Edward Iveagh have been re-appointed as they have all made a major contribution to EEDA and the region over the last three years. Our board plays a key role in helping EEDA deliver an average of �4.75 in economic value for every pound we spend.”

Dr Swann, who graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, in Electrical and Information Sciences and gained a PhD in video processing at Cambridge University Engineering Department, has published more than 15 patents.

He co-founded Alphamosaic, which specialised in multimedia processors for handheld devices, in 2001. The company developed innovative low-power video processing and achieved market success. It was acquired by Broadcom Corporation in 2004 and Dr Swann became its senior director with worldwide marketing responsibility for mobile multimedia until 2007.

He has since worked with early-stage venture companies and is a board member of ImSense Ltd and Spiral Gateway Ltd. He lives in Cambridge with his wife, Mandy, who is a Fellow of St Edmund's College and a lecturer in the Faculty of Education.

Mr McCarthy-Ward is communication giant BT's regional director for the East of England and a member of the CBI Regional Council for the East of England. He is also a member of EEDA's Resources Committee and of EEDA's digital partnership.

Mr Pope is currently a non-executive chairman of IEG Technologies UK Ltd, Cranfield, AAR Environmental Ltd, Watford, and e-labs environmental ltd, Manchester. He also has his own business developing health, safety and environmental technologies and is a member of EEDA's Audit, Remuneration and Selection Committees.

Lord Iveagh has been chairman of Elveden Farms Ltd since 1992 and is also chairman of the Brecks Tourism Partnership. He sits on EEDA's Olympic and Strategy Committees and is EEDA's rural lead.