At GKN Aerospace, Richard Apps worked on strategic planning, business development and the evaluation of acquisitions. He also managed GKN’s industrial offset commitments in Kuwait and prior to that he was the Group Strategic Planning Manager for Westland Group. He managed R&D projects at BICC (now Balfour Beatty) and was a Production Controller at Marconi Avionics (now part of BAE Systems). He has a degree from Cambridge University in Engineering and an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Joanne joined Counterpoint from the University of Bristol where she completed her PhD degree in Aerospace Composites. During her 4-years research experience Joanne developed a patentable composite manufacturing technique which can be used to produce a multifunctional aerospace composite by introducing graphene and/or carbon nanotubes, outcome of which has generated a lot of industrial interest. Joanne also carried out a project for a tier-1 supplier researching next generation composites technology and has a MEng degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Peter has spent his entire career working within Aerospace and Defense having originally graduated in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked for a range of blue chip aerospace companies gaining experience within systems and equipment, avionics, engines and airframes. Following successful completion of an MBA Peter moved into business development and gained experience in m&a, strategy deployment and major account management. His last role before retiring from full-time employment was as Group Head of Business Development with Senior plc. Since retiring from full-time employment Peter has worked part-time as an independent advisor/consultant.
Rob Semple has worked in the aerospace industry for 39 years, split between a career in Rolls-Royce and then aircraft interiors. This included working as Engineering and Programmes Director at Contour (now part of Safran), responsible for seating development projects. For the last 11 years he has worked directly for airlines such as Finnair, United Airlines, AirTanker and Jet Airways as well as for suppliers on both retrofit and new aircraft projects which covered seating, in-flight entertainment, VVIP fit, monuments, crew rests, galleys, lavatories, and associated interior changes (bins, partitions, floor coverings etc). Rob has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and a MSc in Manufacturing Systems from the University of Warwick.
Colin was Chief Executive Officer of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield, UK, and a Director of Casting Technology International. He joined the AMRC from Airbus in 2016 where he was the Research & Technology National Representative for Airbus in the UK. Prior to this, he was Head of the Landing Gear PDT (Product Delivery Team) on the A350XWB.
He joined Messier-Dowty Landing Gear in 1997, working on programmes including Boeing X32 JSF, A3XX and 787, latterly leading the development of enabling technologies and manufacturing systems for landing gear systems.
Colin has a Degree in Production Technology and Management from the University of Aston, and a MBA from the University of Bath. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and is Chair of the Learned Society Board.
