Renishaw, a world leading supplier of measuring and manufacturing systems, has appointed a new non-executive director. Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng, the chief executive and vice-chancellor of Cranfield University, joined the board of directors on 1 September 2023, where she will contribute over 43 years of expertise in the engineering sector. She will also join Renishaw’s Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees.
As well as her extensive engineering, technical management and governance experience, Professor Holford has previously helped to address a lack of diversity in organisations by challenging perceptions and working with underrepresented groups.
She began her engineering career at Rolls-Royce as an undergraduate apprentice, graduating from Cardiff University with a BEng (Hons) in mechanical engineering. Professor Holford then returned to academia to pursue a passion for research, gaining a PhD in materials science/acoustic emission. She continued her interest in R&D in industry at AB Electronic Products, eventually becoming a senior engineer leading a large mechanical design team. This role gave her hands-on experience in a variety of engineering applications.
Professor Holford then returned to academia, specialising in industry-led teaching, research and development and progressing to become a professor of mechanical engineering. She served in leadership roles such as head of school of engineering, pro vice-chancellor of physical sciences and engineering, and spent five years as deputy vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, before taking up her current position at Cranfield University. Professor Holford is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was named as one of the 50 most influential women engineers in 2016. In 2017 she received a CBE for services to engineering and the advancement of women in engineering.
Sir David McMurtry, executive chairman at Renishaw, said: “We are delighted to welcome Karen to the Board. She has a wealth of engineering and R&D experience, bringing vital skills to the business.”