MTC accelerates strategic vision with four non-executive appointments

Aaron Blutstein 7 January 2026  

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing. 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.”