Photo: Dr Clive Hickman (left) takes over the reins from Dr Graham HoareThe
Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry has appointed Dr Graham Hoare as its new CEO effective from 31 March. He brings more than 35 years’ top-level industrial and commercial experience to the role and will succeed Dr Clive Hickman, who will become chairman of the board.
Dr Hoare is a former chair of Ford of Britain, having spent two decades with the automotive manufacturer in a variety of senior roles. He began his career at Ford as director of powertrain research and advanced engineering at its US headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. He was also executive director of European powertrain engineering and director of global vehicle evaluation, and in 2018 was awarded an OBE for services to the UK motor industry.
Previously, Dr Hoare was the chief engineer for transmissions and driveline at BMW and chief engineer, powertrain engineering, at Jaguar Land Rover. Most recently, he acted as interim CEO of Britishvolt, appointed to secure the future of the business, which has recently been acquired by Recharge Industries.
Dr Hickman, who has been CEO of the MTC since its creation 12 years ago, said: “I am delighted to report that the MTC is now a £120 million, 900-employee business with operations across the UK, and is supporting businesses large and small, regionally, nationally and internationally.
“Since its formation, the MTC has had a major impact, not only on manufacturing industry in the UK but on society as a whole, creating jobs and investment for the West Midlands and across the UK. We now have 800 young people pursuing apprenticeships and have attracted more than £800 million of inward investment onto the site at Ansty, Coventry, and is well advanced in its contribution to the UK’s ‘net zero’ target."
He added: “I know that Graham, with his vast experience in the sector, will propel the organisation to the next phase in our ambitions to become an even more integral and resilient member of the UK manufacturing community. I wish him every success in the role.”
Dr Hoare, who takes up his role in April, said: “I am joining the MTC at a crucial time as UK manufacturing develops to become more productive and globally competitive. It is recognised as a world-class leader in technology and manufacturing innovation and the task of keeping the organisation at the forefront of the increasingly dynamic advances in technology and engineering will be both incredibly challenging and exciting.”