MTC accelerates strategic vision with four non-executive appointments

Professor Paul Conway FREng, who is already a non-executive director on MTC’s board, has been appointed as the chair of MTC Training’s board.  

Natascha Engel joins the board with extensive experience in public policy and governance, having held senior leadership roles at Palace Yard as its CEO and in the UK Parliament as Deputy Speaker. Her expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement and strategic oversight will support MTC’s alignment with the UK’s industrial priorities.

Professor Paul Monks CB brings a distinguished career in scientific and innovation leadership, including former roles as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Leicester. His expertise in climate science, sustainability and technology-driven policy strengthens MTC’s mission to transform the UK’s industrial base with future-ready technologies.

Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE is currently Professor of Chemistry and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Birmingham - one of MTC’s founding universities. She previously served as Head of the School of Chemistry and spent ten years at the University of Warwick, working across major research and leadership portfolios. Her experience in leading-edge chemical research and academic leadership will support MTC’s efforts to bring academia and industry closer together. 

Professor Paul Conway FREng is currently Professor of Manufacturing Processes at Loughborough University. Prior to his current roles, he was Dean of the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at the university and Director of EPSRC’s Innovative Electronics Manufacturing Research Centre and Centre for Doctoral Training in Embedded Intelligence. He was also Chair of EPSRC’s Manufacturing the Future Strategic Advisory Team, providing strategic advice to develop, modify and implement research and training strategy.  

Commenting on the appointments, Dr Clive Hickman OBE, Chairman of MTC, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new non-executive directors at a pivotal time for UK manufacturing. Their expertise in policy, innovation, sustainability and skills will be invaluable as we accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and close the gap between research and real-world industrial solutions. These appointments will support our efforts to enhance UK competitiveness, encourage economic growth and help shape strategies that keep industry resilient and globally competitive.”

Natascha Engel, added: “Manufacturers need practical solutions to real challenges and that’s where MTC makes a difference. I’m delighted to join the board and help raise awareness of MTC’s impact.  I look forward to being part of its work in helping to address national challenges and drive growth across the UK.”

Professor Paul Monks said: “Manufacturing is the backbone of the UK economy, and its future depends on embracing innovation and sustainability. MTC has a critical role in growing the industrial base, and I am excited by the opportunity to work with the organisation to create a competitive, resilient manufacturing sector for generations to come.” 

Professor Rachel O’Reilly commented: “As a founding member of MTC, the University of Birmingham's commitment to translating research breakthroughs into manufacturing innovation is well-established. I’m proud to join the MTC board and strengthen this partnership. The UK's global leadership in manufacturing has deep roots in the West Midlands, and the MTC builds on that legacy, uniting expertise from academia and industry to advance solutions critical to our future, including in security, aerospace and energy."

Professor Paul Conway said: “I’m delighted to be joining and chairing the MTC Training board, at a challenging but exciting time for developing manufacturing talent in the UK. MTC Training has already made an immense impact, and I look forward to working with its dynamic team in its continued drive to provide the highest quality training provision for UK industry.”

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