Techniquest

In September, Daniel O’Toole was elected Techniquest’s new Chair of the Board, taking over from Karen Harris after more than three years in the role.

With a background in STEM and a wealth of experience in leadership roles, we’re excited about what the future holds under his stewardship.

On his appointment, he said: “I’m truly honoured to step into this role at Techniquest.

“With such an amazing team and a rich history, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the past and continue to inspire curiosity and creativity in STEM subjects.

“I’m particularly proud that we now have an ambitious and diverse Board of Trustees and we are focused at all levels on achieving a sustainable future. The recent installation of solar panels on the iconic Techniquest roof marks a significant step towards a greener future.”

As CEO of Retail Merchandising Services (RMS) and founder of flex™, Daniel has demonstrated a remarkable ability to deliver transformational change, building on his late father’s legacy. His innovative approach to technology has driven RMS to become a leader in its field, with flex™ now a market-leading platform used by major retailers across the UK and Ireland. In 2018, O’Toole was recognised for his achievements, winning the UK Institution of Directors ‘New Director of the Year’ award.

Daniel [right] alongside Prof. Sir Martin Evans and Techniquest Head of Education, Andrea Meyrick.
A Welsh speaker, Daniel attended Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni — where he later became Head Boy — before earning a degree in Chemistry at the University of Bath, and notes that his visits to Techniquest as a boy helped to spark his curiosity for STEM.

He said: “My studies in Chemistry fuelled the existing passion I had for problem solving and discovery, and I’m thrilled to bring this curiosity to Techniquest — somewhere I have fond memories of from my school days.”

In his spare time, Daniel embraces challenges and adventure. He’s an Ironman, a keen scuba diver, and a qualified skydiver. He has a love for the outdoors and enjoys capturing special moments through photography and videography. He loves spending time with his wife, Alex, and their two dogs, Murphy and Ruby, often travelling in their campervan to explore new places.

Central to his outlook on life and business, he says, is making “tomorrow better than today”, believing that inspiring curiosity and creativity is key to realising that.

“I’m confident that Techniquest will continue to be a beacon of inspiration and discovery, fostering creativity and curiosity in people of all ages,” Daniel says. “Together, we will continue to drive forward, making a real difference in STEM education and sustainability; not just for Wales, but for the wider world.”

Working alongside Techniquest CEO, Sue Wardle, and the wider team, Daniel is excited to contribute to the charity as it embarks on its next strategic chapter: building on its mission to inspire curiosity and engagement with STEM, while aiming to become a leader in sustainability.

If you would like to know more about the Board of Trustees and their roles, click here.