Atkins is looking to expand its innovative information, communications and technology offerings with the appointment of John Drever as innovation director. Drever will be responsible for setting up and managing an innovation centre at the heart of Atkins' Communications business that will encourage, capture, evaluate, and commercialise innovative ideas. Geoff Ball, managing director of Atkins' Communications business, said: "The ICT market is constantly and rapidly evolving, and to offer our clients the best ICT solutions for today and tomorrow Atkins needs to be at the forefront of this evolution. "Our engineers are already coming up with game changing solutions to some of the world's biggest engineering projects, whether it's biometrics or the next generation of broadband. The innovation director role will help us capture these ideas, and turn them into viable solutions that will help our clients future proof their business." Drever brings to the role a strong background in high technology engineering, including complex systems and software engineering and new product development. Prior to joining Atkins in 2007, Drever held various positions within BAE Systems and its predecessor companies, including head of product and capability development. He has also delivered innovation management consultancy to a major aerospace company. The innovation director appointment comes at an exciting time for Atkins' Communications business, with high profile projects like the roll out of next generation networks across the UK, and the Passenger Authentication Scanning System (PASS), shortlisted for an IET Innovation Award, already underway.