About

I am an accomplished leader, board member and Chartered Engineer with an impressive track record of driving strategy, operational and engineering change in high profile organisations including Rolls Royce. My career includes achievements in a wide range of complex systems businesses, professional institutions and academia.

I am a passionate and influential advocate for the resourcing and professional development of engineers and I am looking forward to supporting University of Derby students in placing them in engineering roles. I have an excellent external and international professional networks in industry, academia, professional bodies and government. Being an inspirational public speaker on a diverse range of topics, nationally and internationally, I have been able to educate Derby students in a wide variety of areas of Engineering, to support their career development and aspirations.

Teaching responsibilities

I plan to deliver a range of lectures, covering many aspects of engineering, engineering business management, and finding employment. I took part in the recruitment of more than 200 graduates and experienced engineers for Rolls-Royce and other organisations, so I can speak from experience. Students can benefit from the depth of my knowledge and years of experience in industry. Working in a very wide range of industries, from traffic signs, to observatory telescopes, to air-conditioning, to nuclear power and to aero engines. There are many stories to tell, including what works and what doesn't work if you want to get promoted.

Professional interests

At Derby University as a Visiting Professor, I will develop a new model for placing students into SMEs, the growth engine of the UK economy. I am an accomplished multi-topic UK and international speaker, including Europe, India, China, and Hong Kong. Being one of the very first Chartered Managers with the CMI I am now a Companion (CCMI). I have always been a strong proponent of coaching style leadership, long before it became “fashionable” and love helping people to develop at every stage of their careers. I am highly respected in national engineering and science skills, taking part in the Universe of Engineering update, the Perkins Task groups, DSF skills for the Defence Industry, NSAN Advisory Board, and EANSQEP for the UK Defence Enterprise.

Qualifications

Chartered Engineer (CEng MIMechE) 1985, Fellow of IMechE 1993, Fellow of IEE 2004, MIMgt 1994, Fellow of IMgt  2001. In the first 25 to become a Chartered Manager, 2003. Companion of CMI 2014 (by invitation).

Experience in industry

Director, Rolls-Royce (Pension Trustees) Ltd and investment sub committee 1998-2017.

Member of IMechE Council 1992 - 2002, Vice President of IMechE 2004 - 2007, Deputy President 2011, President 2013. Finalist in SEMTA Skills Champion of the Year 2015.

Additional interests and activities

League badminton (team captain and committee member), fitness training, cycling, swimming, gardening, politics, history, theatre. Former Director of a theatre restoration trust.