Tonkiss succeeds Neil Norman who has served Human Recognition Systems (HRS) as CEO since founding the company back in 2001.
Effective from 20 August, Norman has now assumed a new strategic position within the company as founder, vice-chairman and head of innovation.
For his part, Tonkiss will now take responsibility for the company’s strategic relationships and partnerships moving forward.
The incoming CEO began his career at Lucas Industries as an electronics and software engineer within its 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 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 1,000 employees on its books.
Comment from the HRS Board
The Chairman of the HRS Board, Geoffrey Maddrell, commented: “I’m very pleased that John has joined Human Recognition Systems as the company prepares to move on to a much greater scale with an increasing international focus. This has enabled Neil to undertake a new role within the business where he is well placed to reinforce the key components within our core values, notably innovation.”
Committed to focusing on strategy and product innovation, HRS founder Neil Norman explained: “With the full potential of this business now apparent, it’s 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 stated: “I’m 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 for the company.”
About Human Recognition Systems
Human Recognition Systems is a leader in enterprise biometric solutions. Its solutions deliver identity certainty where it matters, helping organisations manage their workforce or customers more efficiently.
HRS works across a range of regulated industries where certainty of identity is critical to the operation of business, among them aviation, construction, energy, finance and national security.