NMITE expands its board with three new trustees

Pictured from left to right: Natasha Rothbucher-Thomas, Julian Drinkall and Bill Jackson

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford has appointed three new trustees to its Board — Bill Jackson, Julian Drinkall, and Natasha Rothbucher-Thomas — bringing valuable leadership, sustainability and industry expertise to the table as NMITE continues to expand following a year of significant progress and achievement.

The appointments come as NMITE builds on strong momentum, with record student intakes, growing national recognition, and continued development of its pioneering Centres for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) and Automated Manufacturing. The new trustees will play a pivotal role in supporting NMITE’s next steps as it strengthens industry partnerships, broadens its course portfolio, and continues delivering on its mission to educate work-ready engineers equipped for the future.

James Newby, president and CEO of NMITE, said: “This has been a transformational year for NMITE — record student numbers, new courses, and growing recognition for our innovative model of engineering education. The addition of Bill, Julian and Natasha to our Board strengthens our leadership as we enter our next chapter. Each brings not only professional expertise but also a commitment to NMITE’s mission of creating the engineers and problem-solvers the world needs.”

Bill Jackson brings a wealth of experience to NMITE’s Board, particularly through his longstanding involvement in the Herefordshire business community, including his role as chair of the Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas. A property professional operating locally, nationally and internationally, he has been a strong supporter of NMITE’s Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT). A lifelong environmentalist, he is passionate about helping NMITE realise its full potential in developing future-focused engineers who understand sustainability at their core. He said: “As someone deeply connected to Herefordshire’s business and environmental landscape, I have seen first-hand how NMITE is already making a tangible difference to our region and beyond. I am excited to help guide its next steps and ensure it continues to produce the kind of innovative, practical engineers our communities and industries need.”

Institutional growth
Julian Drinkall has held senior leadership positions across education, business and international development, including roles as CEO of the Aga Khan Schools network, CEO of Academies Enterprise Trust, and head of financial and commercial strategy at the BBC. His extensive experience in institutional growth, governance and educational transformation will be key in helping NMITE strengthen its national reputation and global outlook. He said: “I have long been passionate about transforming education to make it more relevant and inspiring. NMITE’s innovative approach to hands-on, challenge-based learning is exactly what’s needed to prepare students for real-world challenges, and I am delighted to be part of shaping its continued evolution.”

Natasha Rothbucher-Thomas has over 10 years working as a research fellow in sustainable construction, science and engineering of materials and is a university lecturer, who taught construction techniques and sustainability to architecture students for two years at the Federal University of Bahia and one year at INBEC University in Brazil on MBA in sustainable construction. Natasha Rothbucher-Thomas is also a certified BREEAM International Assessor and sustainability consultant. She has worked extensively across the UK and Brazil, combining technical innovation with a passion for green infrastructure and climate-conscious development — expertise that aligns directly with NMITE’s vision for sustainable engineering education.

Natasha Rothbucher-Thomas concluded: “NMITE’s commitment to sustainability and innovation deeply resonates with me. The focus on practical, applied learning and environmental responsibility is exactly what the next generation of engineers must embrace. I am looking forward to contributing my experience to support NMITE’s exciting journey ahead.”