EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Technical executive who has spent two decades turning breakthrough science into technology that shapes industries - taking energy, aerospace and propulsion innovation from first principles through to commercial reality. Builds and inspires high-performing science and engineering organisations, then converts deep technical conviction into investable strategy, securing multi-million-pound funding and investment along the way. Combines a rare blend of doctoral-level authority - in fuel cells, batteries and electrified powertrains - with genuine boardroom fluency in commercial strategy, stakeholder management and investor pitching. Leads with clarity of purpose, building inclusive, accountable, high-trust teams that believe in what they are building - and go on to deliver it.
CORE EXPERTISE
- Technical Leadership: Fuel cells, batteries and battery materials, hydrogen systems, electrical powertrains, gas turbine engines, aerostructures, FEA and CAD/CAE, advanced manufacturing and materials, additive manufacture, surface analysis (SEM/EDS), digital image correlation, corrosion-resistant coatings.
- Commercial Leadership: Technology and business strategy, feasibility studies and competitor analysis, investor pitch decks and fundraising, commercial negotiation, stakeholder and C-suite management, R&D function build and industrialisation.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Won the National Innovation Award 2026 for delivering Superdielectrics’ first next-generation prototype battery.
- Co-developed and delivered the pitch that secured £3.6 million investment for Superdielectrics.
- Led the proposal that won £1.3 million in government funding to establish the UK Hydrogen Capability Network.
- Delivered the world’s first commercially viable electric mini excavator at JCB.
- Led FlyZero’s fuel cell and electrical powertrain team with next-generation zero emission aircraft design, roadmaps as lead/co-author of six national technical reports.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Consultant Oct 2025 - Present
Advising SMEs and start-ups on R&D, technology strategy and commercial strategy.
Key achievements
- Guided an early-stage start-up through its first commercial negotiation, resulting in a signed multi-year purchase
agreement.
Head of Research & Development | Superdielectrics Aug 2024 – Oct 2025
- Led a 26-strong R&D function (10 direct reports) developing next-generation battery and supercapacitor technologies.
- Set and implemented company-wide technical strategy; reported directly to the CEO as principal link between the commercial and technical organisations.
- Assumed R&D Director responsibilities following the incumbent’s retirement.
Key achievements
- Delivered the company’s first highly engineered next-generation prototype battery - National Innovation Award winner, 2026.
- Pivoted the function from research to development/delivery focus, industrialising the organisation and embedding NPI principles.
- Restructured and re-oriented the R&D function to support the new delivery model.
- Drove a step-change in cell performance and life and led next-generation cell design - including battery material development - to improve research consistency and repeatability.
- Developed two proprietary cell designs to resolve critical mechanical/chemistry challenges.
- Co-developed and delivered the investor pitch that secured £3.6 million in funding alongside the C-suite.
Head of Hydrogen | Aerospace Technology Institute April 2023 – May 2024
- Consolidated hydrogen demand across the aerospace sector and built future demand projections.
- Developed and implemented a hydrogen supply strategy in partnership with OEMs.
- Directed technical input into test facility requirements, business models and skills development.
Key achievements
- Produced the sector’s consolidated hydrogen demand outlook with forward projections.
Zero Carbon Strategy Manager | Aerospace Technology Institute May 2022 – Mar 2023
- Led strategy development to implement key recommendations from the FlyZero project.
- Managed engagement with OEMs, government and institutional stakeholders.
Key achievements
- Partnered with BEIS and major OEMs to win £1.3 million in funding establishing the Hydrogen Capability Network - the foundation of UK aerospace hydrogen capability.
- Authored the full funding proposal: requirements, deliverables, team design, project plan, risk mitigation, counterfactual and financials.
Powertrain Lead, FlyZero Project | Aerospace Technology Institute Mar 2021 – Mar 2022
- Led a team of technical specialists (4 direct reports) on the design and feasibility study of the FlyZero zero-emissions aircraft.
- Held accountability for core electrical technologies: fuel cells, batteries, electric machines, power electronics and HV systems.
- Evaluated state-of-the-art technology and built development roadmaps; identified enabling technologies for key technology bricks.
- Partnered with external development partners and stakeholders throughout.
Key achievements
- Designed a next-generation regional aircraft concept with fuel cell electric powertrain and narrow-body fuel cell auxiliary systems, with supporting technology roadmaps.
Head of R&D (Consultant) | Lib.energy Mar 2020 – April 2021
- Advised on battery cell chemistry, performance and systems selection.
- Managed a technical team in Germany and a manufacturing team in Manila.
- Partnered with the leadership team to evaluate opportunities and shape product/technology strategy
Key achievements
- Designed and tested a prototype off-highway battery electric system.
Electrification Strategy Lead | JCB Excavators May 2017 – Dec 2019
- Led electrification strategy for JCB construction machinery, bridging technical and commercial teams.
- Advised on the technical direction of new products.
- Set medium- and long-term electrification, product and battery strategy; built strategic partner relationships for powertrain technologies.
- Scouted and evaluated current and future electrification technology providers.
Key achievements
- Delivered the world’s first commercially viable electric mini excavator, leading the dedicated technical team.
PhD / Research Assistant | Loughborough University Dec 2010 – Sep 2016
- Researched, designed, developed and tested a multifunctional structural fuel cell for aerospace applications.
- Managed a five-year R&D project on multifunctional structural hydrogen (PEM) fuel cells.
- Built five years of laboratory expertise: electrode assembly manufacture, coating systems, surface analysis, electromechanical loading systems and balance-of-plant, testing and analysis.
- Led 3D design and finite element analysis of the fuel cell structure under static and dynamic loads.
- Led cross-departmental problem-solving across a range of technical challenges.
Key achievements
- Designed, developed, manufactured and tested a unique structural fuel cell.
PUBLICATIONS
– ATI FlyZero Fuel Cell Roadmap — Lead Author, March 2022
– ATI FlyZero Fuel Cell Roadmap Report — Lead Author, March 2022
– ATI FlyZero Fuel Cell Technical Report — Lead Author, March 2022
– ATI FlyZero Electrical Propulsion System Roadmap — Co-Author, March 2022
– ATI FlyZero Electrical Propulsion System Roadmap Report — Co-Author, March 2022
– ATI FlyZero Electrical Propulsion System Technical Report — Co-Author, March 2022
Full archive: FlyZero Reports Archive — Aerospace Technology Institute (ati.org.uk)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2006-2007
Harvard Business School / NCGE – Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Scholarship One of sixteen candidates worldwide selected for this international Technology & Science Entrepreneurial Scholarship at Harvard University and the Kauffman Foundation, focused on applying business strategy and commercialisation models to maximise the impact of engineering and technology ventures.
- Innovation training · Commercialising science and technology · Investor due diligence · Enterprise organisation and management · Advancing innovation
- Negotiation skills and techniques · Intellectual property · Networking and mentoring · Building teams and social networks · Process and market analysis · Synectics innovation training
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
PhD, Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Their Applications — Loughborough University, School of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering (2010–2016)
- Thesis: mechanical integration of a hydrogen fuel cell for a multifunctional aerospace structure in a UAV wing.
MSc Engineering Project Management, Distinction — Coventry University, School of Engineering (2005–2006)
- Case-study based programme covering supply chain management, manufacturing strategy, product development, project planning and control, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
- Awarded the University Prize for Best Engineering Project.
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Technology, 1st Class Honours — (2001–2005)
- Modules: aerospace applications, industry studies and technology; advanced manufacturing technology, processes and
materials; CAD design (CATIA V5 R13). - Awarded the Corus Prize for Best Advanced Joining Project.