CANDIDATES’

ELECTION
STATEMENTS
IET Elections 2018
ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018 – VICE-PRESIDENTS
ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS
ELECTION TO COUNCIL 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS
ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES RESOURCING COMMITTEE 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS
ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE – ASIA PACIFIC 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS
ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE – EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA 2018 –
ORDINARY MEMBERS
ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE – SOUTH ASIA 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS
ELECTION TO THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY COMMITTEE 2018 –
ORDINARY MEMBERS (UNDER 30)

Please read carefully before casting your vote.

 ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018 – VICE-PRESIDENTS

RAMACHANDRAN, T V. MSc HonFIET FIETE FPRI

Age 72. HF 2013
Consultant and Advisor, Advisory@TVR, New Delhi, India
Nominated by Pravin Patil, Rajesh Patwardhan, Vikrant Ramesh Sankhe, M R Sitharaman, Sujan Sekhar, N K Datta,
Kartik Chandra Mukhopadhyay, Samarjit Sengupta, Rajarshi Gupta, Jitendranath Bera

T V Ramachandran, aka “TV”, has a Master’s degree in Physics (specialisation in Wireless & Electronics) with over 50 years
work experience, the first 25 years in Dunlop India, in top management positions.
TV has served in mobile telecommunications in India since its inception in 1994, being the 1st CEO of Sterling Cellular, Delhi and helped
establish the largest Indian cellular network of that time – the predecessor of what is today Vodafone India.
TV, the first Chairman of India Interest Group of GSM-MoU Association also founded and led, as Director General, Cellular Operators
Association of India (COAI) for 12 years, establishing it as a credible voice of the industry. TV then served as Resident Director, Regulatory
Affairs & Government Relations, Vodafone India for 5 years. For his contributions to Mobile Telephony in India, TV was conferred the Voice
& Data Lifetime Contribution Award, in March 2015.
Besides running his own Consultancy firm, he is President, Broadband India Forum, Chairman, Telecom Committee, European Business
Group and Consultant, European Business & Technology Centre. TV was recently nominated by Government as a member of the
prestigious Hi-level 5G Forum formed to develop the Vision & Roadmap for 5G India 2020.
A member of the Global Advisory of India IET IoT and having served IET India Development Panel for 3 years, he has been instrumental in
the success of IET-IoT Congress in 2016 and 2017.
“I believe that awareness of engineering is critical for our society and that IET is excellently placed to promote this. My experience
indicates potential for exciting projects for IET in Broadband, IoT/M2M, smart cities, 5G, etc. If elected, I would work at a strategic level to
enhance the national and global participation/visibility of IET towards increasing relevance in the society.”

NOBLE, Alison. OBE FRS FREng MA DPhil CEng FIET FWES

Age 53. S 1985, AM 1986, M 1995, F 2000
Technikos Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

Alison is a graduate of the University of Oxford where she studied Engineering Science followed by a doctoral research
degree in Computer Vision. She subsequently worked as a research scientist at what is now called the GE Global Research
Center in Niskayuna, NY, USA before returning to the UK to take up a lecturership at the University of Oxford in 1995. Since
then she has played a leadership role in Oxford to set up biomedical engineering programmes at the undergraduate, taught
graduate and doctoral training educational levels. Her university research group is internationally known for its work on biomedical image
analysis, and in particular ultrasound image analysis and its application in the developed and developing world. In 2012 she co-founded an
image analytics spinout company, Intelligent Ultrasound Ltd, acquired by MedaPhor Group Plc in 2017, which develops ultrasound auditing
and analytics services and products.
Alison was the President of the MICCAI Society, the international society in her field, from 2013-16, and its Past-President for 2016-17. She
is currently or has been a member of a large number RCUK, Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society strategic and policy making
committees and grant awarding panels. She is an IET Trustee, and a Trustee of the Oxford Trust, which promotes enterprise as well as
communication of SET to schools and the public, in the Oxfordshire region. She received an OBE for services to science and engineering in
2013, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2008) and the Royal Society (2017).
Alison has a wide range of experiences that she can share with the IET through her involvement with other UK and international societies
and professional organisations. She is particularly interested in how the IET can effectively promote engineering to government, and
support the professional development of women engineers.

YOUNG, Julian. CB OBE FREng CEng FIET

Age 56. M 2009, F 2010
Chief of Materiel (Air), Defence Equipment & Support, Ministry of Defence, Bristol, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

“I am enjoying the opportunity of being a Trustee of the IET, and should consider it an honour to serve further as a Vice
President. I have sat on the IET Membership & Professional Development Board and currently am a member of the
Governance for the Future Steering Group. The thrill is having a realistic chance of establishing future professionalization on
the legacy of the ‘Year of Engineering 2018’ and increase the status of engineers and technicians across the UK Enterprise.
I consider myself to be a typical restless engineer, always wanting to improve things. Across my career, inter alia, I have led the successful
restructuring of military aircraft engineering trades, training and policy; simplified the structure of the RAF’s technical organization
into Forward & Depth, introduced Lean and enabled Availability Contracting with industry; introduced the ‘fast track’ route with the IET
for professional registration for RAF engineers and tradesmen and women; and doubled the number of Apprentices and Engineering
Graduates in my current organisation. My success was recognized 3 years ago by the Defence Board, which appointed me personally as
the first ‘Defence Engineering Champion’ to address the critical nature of recruitment and retention of our 53,000+ technical posts. I have
since won the payment of professional registration fees for all military engineers and technicians, produced and am implementing the first
Defence Strategy for STEM & Youth Engagement and shaped the cross-Government planning for ‘Year of Engineering 2018’. I am a serving
RAF Air Marshal, and currently am responsible for acquiring fixed-wing aircraft and support from industry for UK Armed Forces. I sit on
the Air Force Board as Chief Engineer. In sum, I care passionately about technical people, and I recognize the impact of one’s energy to
make a difference can be magnified multiple times through the IET.”

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 ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS

MORTON, Edwin. BSc CEng MIET PEng

AM 1973, M 1979
Systems Engineer, Correctional Service of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
Nominated by Barry Brooks, Tony McGrail, Gareth Wood, Bhagvat Joshi, K O Lee, David Mann, Jolly Wong, Paul Smith,
R Jananthan, Mike Lancaster

As an active volunteer for 38 years and a member of Council for almost 6 years, I have served in many leadership
roles including past Chair and Secretary of the Ottawa LN, Deputy Chair and Chair of Council, member of the CCT and
CAT. I am currently Chairman of the Monitoring Governance WP and member of the G4F Review Group. I cofounded an
environmentally focused “Not for Profit” 22 years ago and served as Chair for ten years, now continuing as a Director.
My professional work has included roles in the Telecommunications and High Security industries at Director, AVP and VP level. All
requiring leadership, financial acumen, and a strong understanding of business strategy. My skills include well developed written and
verbal communications. I have presented papers at International Conferences. My moderation and consensus building capabilities were
developed through both professional and volunteer roles. I currently work as a Systems Architect with Correctional Service Canada in
defining, designing and managing the deployment of “next generation” Security Command and Control platforms.
As a member of the BoT, I would build on my ongoing IET volunteer work. I am passionate about the future of engineering and my goals
include improving the IET’s value proposition, especially outside of the UK; increasing its brand recognition with young people; supporting
STEM activities to ensure children are exposed to engineering as a career choice.
During my terms on Council I have gained an excellent understanding of how the IET “works”. This and my other initiatives including:
• enhancing Staff, Board, Council collaboration as “One Team”;
• ensuring that Council Members can contribute to IET strategy and direction as part of their mandate;
• guiding the shape and structure of Council following adoption of the G4F proposals;
• position me well to be an engaged and forward-looking member of the BoT.

ARTHUR, Colin. BEng PhD MIET

Age 37. S 1998, M 2001
R&D Manager, Keysight Technologies, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

Colin holds a senior engineering management position in the electronics industry, and as an IET volunteer has most recently
served on the Knowledge Services Board.
Colin is an R&D programme manager, with responsibility for managing hardware and software teams in Scotland and the
United States (Atlanta and the Bay Area), developing next generation electronics measurement technology. At the company’s advanced
research lab, Colin drives multiple R&D programmes from initial research concept through to product delivery, often collaborating across
industry and academia. His current focus is on products related to 5G telecommunications, Industrie 4.0 manufacturing, and data
analytics.
Colin has been an active IET volunteer since 2002. He chaired the IET’s Communities Resourcing Committee 2014-2017, during a period of
unprecedented growth, and implemented strategic initiatives which increased the number of attendees at IET events and strengthened the
recruitment, leadership and effectiveness of volunteers. Colin was winner of the 2010 IET Paul Fletcher Award, and has previously served
on the IET Young Professionals Board, the IET GB&I Regional Board, IET Council, European Young Engineers, and IET Knowledge Services
Board.
Colin is passionate about promoting STEM and meeting the skills gap faced by industry, by facilitating networking and sharing of
knowledge. Colin believes our Institution’s greatest strength is its members and volunteers – students through retired members – and their
desire to share knowledge, network, and build community, which has motivated his own IET involvement.
“If elected I would work to make the IET more effective for members to have an active role in their Institution, and work to ensure that the
services offered by the IET remain relevant and effective for a modern professional global engineer.”

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WAJID, Mustafa. BE MIET MIEEE
Age 56. M 2013
Managing Director and CEO, MEHER Group, Bangalore, India
Nominated by Kapil Khanna, Prakash Nayak, S Sreenivasa Murthy, S R Paranjothi, Madhuri Joshi, Subramaniam Devarajan,
R Venkatesa Perumal, Ajay Kulshreshth, N Venkatesan, R N Rajpoot

Mustafa is an engineer-entrepreneur and the Co-founder, MD & CEO of the MEHER Group, an engineering and technology
group with businesses in electrical engineering, electric vehicle systems and big data analytics and visualisation. He has led
teams that developed unique engineering and business innovations in the Power Quality domain across the Electrical Sector.
During this journey he has been entrusted with leadership roles by his peers in the industry and profession. He was Chair of IEEMA – Power
Capacitor Division, IEEE LVDC Forum, member of IEEE SA Board Committee and represented India in the IEC – TC 33. At MEHER he now
drives strategy, technology and oversees progress of businesses that involve engineers and business persons based in India, Germany, Italy,
Austria, South Korea & Finland.
As a dedicated volunteer, Mustafa actively participates in many IET activities. A blend of passion, drive and desire to grow our Institution
are among Mustafa’s defining characteristics. Mustafa is the immediate past Chair of the IET CC-SA and currently chairs the IET India
Development Panel, activities that include providing direction and driving strategic initiatives across IET Local Networks and has
contributed towards:
• Increased participation at IET events;
• Maximised effectiveness of the IET’s spending in CCSA;
• Strengthened strategic management and governance of Local Networks.
“Our Institution has a unique role to play, particularly when technology is transforming societies. Our Institution’s greatest strength is
its members and volunteers – from students, to practising engineers and experienced retired members – with the motivation to share
information, knowledge, networks, and build communities. If elected I would work towards further enhancing the IET’s value for its
members by fortifying cross-pollination of skills across disciplines and boost membership growth. Developing future leaders across the
membership and inculcating in them a sense of belonging, pride and community shall also be my focus.”

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 ELECTION TO COUNCIL 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS

CLOUDIN, S. ME MIET
Age 42. M 2011
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, KCG College of Technology, Chennai, India
Nominated by J Frank Vijay, Sreekantha Kumar V P, M Krishnamurthy, Dhanalakshmi, C Emilin Shiny, V Hema, A Balaji,
Vasantha Kumar V, Praveen Joe I R, S Prabakeran

As an experienced Administrator with strategic planning and leadership skills, Cloudin is currently associated with KCG
College of Technology, Chennai as Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Cloudin has been passionate and volunteering in IET since 2011 as a faculty advisor of the IET Student chapter in KCG. He served as
Honorary Treasurer of Chennai Local Network since October 2012 till September 2015. Currently he is serving as Vice Chairman of the
Network. He chaired the Students Activity Planning committee, which regulated student activities to be aligned with IET strategies. He
has been an instrument behind the enlargement of IET membership by adding 900 students and 100 professionals to IET with his untiring
persuasion. His strategic plans on collaborations with industries helped the professional growth of members.
Having learnt many skills personally and technically through IET, Cloudin has organized multifaceted seminars, workshops, conferences
under IET banner. His fervor and zeal towards IET and the student community enabled KCG to emerge as Academic Affiliate with IET.
Under his leadership, KCG chapter received appreciation awards including Best Chapter Award in the years 2012,2013,2014 and 2017,
Overall Championship Award in the years 2013 and 2014. It was by his sole effort that the KCG chapter has been awarded with Exemplary
Student Chapter Award 2013 in the South Asia level at the IET South Asia CVC held at Sri Lanka.
He has the acclaim of hosting the IET Advantage Job Fair and was the Organizing Secretary for the IET Chennai Local Network’s 4th
International Conference – SEISCON.
If he was given the opportunity, he assures that he would pull in all his energy and skills to work towards the development of IET. As his
passion has already won members, he would continue to affix more members through his efforts.

BALL, Andrew R. MIET FCMI

Age 57. AM 1999, M 2003
Mechanical and Electrical Services Manager, Leeds City Council, Leeds, United Kingdom
Nominated by Christopher Crane, Barry Dobson, Ian Dufour, Richard Hines, David Hogan, Michael Lynch, Keith Marshall,
Trevor Oliver, Norman Penny, Kate Sugden

Andrew started his electrical engineering career in 1976 as an apprentice electrician with a large private contractor and
progressed over several years to become Operations Director within the same business working on a number of diverse
projects, commercial, industrial and large domestic within the private and public sector before changing career paths to work
with the public sector in 2012.
Previously a member of the Electrical Contractors Association sitting on REC Board, Labour Relations Committee and Regional Joint
Industry Board for labour relations, Andrew is passionate about training and skills development within the industry having formally
mentored literally hundreds of apprentices and engineers within in his former role in the private industry.
Andrew joined IIE in 1999, was jointly a member of IIE and IEE before amalgamation into the IET as he recognised the positive effect of
being actively involved in terms of client relationships and perceptions on competence and actively promotes membership and has recently
mentored several members of staff to become members.
“As well as being a member I have recently become an active volunteer within the IET working on a number of exciting projects which will
hopefully result in driving up standards and recognition in the “grass roots” engineering often overlooked within our industry. I strongly
believe in the development of students both young and old within our industry and that membership should be open to all regardless of
background and that we attract and keep the breath of talent within our industry to stem the decline of skilled engineers.
Should I be lucky enough to be elected to the IET Council I bring a wealth of experience within the industry to represent both the
membership and industry with a commitment to promote the IET and its objectives, governance and mission both publically and within the
organisation.”

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GARNHAM, James. ICTTech TMIET
Age 23. S 2012, A 2015, M 2016
Network Engineer, Cisco Systems Ltd, Reading, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

“I joined the IET in 2012 as a student member working towards my level 4 IT qualification on a three-year apprenticeship
scheme with Cisco.
Throughout the apprenticeship, I was heavily involved in the promotion of both the Cisco scheme and apprenticeships as
a whole. I achieved this by attending careers fairs over the country, and went directly into ICT classes at schools in the Thames Valley
Region.
I’m a Services Consulting Engineer, working across Europe on the validation of telecom service provider networks.
As a graduate apprentice, I’m eager to use my experiences to improve those of current apprentices. I developed the Apprentice Validation
Project within my group, which gives apprentices the opportunity to showcase their talents and natural initiative. I’m an active professional
and technical mentor for four of the Apprentices in the company.
I was honoured to be selected as IET’s Apprentice of the Year in 2015, and have nothing but passion for assisting with the development of
Young Professionals not only within my company but within the engineering community. This year I’ll be serving on the assessment panel
for the Apprentice and Technician awards, and plan to further my involvement with the IET by serving on the Council.
My aim is to increase awareness of the IET throughout the company, and foster innovation through collaboration with the organisation.
The opportunities and support available for members benefit continual development and should be utilised as early in career as possible.
If elected I’ll aim to access as many different functions to share information on STEM subjects and the routes that can be taken by Young
Professionals. I wish to influence the number of IET accredited apprenticeships and make the offerings available to young professionals
more attractive and more accessible in order to improve diversity of candidates entering this profession.”

WHITLEY, Timothy John. BSc PhD FIET FITP

Age 52. F 2017
Managing Director Research & Innovation, British Telecom, Martlesham Heath, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

“Since my early days as a field apprentice with BT, I have been passionate about engineering and its potential to improve
society. The fusion of curiosity-led science with real-world engineering to do something useful – ‘Purposeful Innovation’ – has
already transformed our world. As we face into the next technological revolution driven by digital connectivity, compute-
power and advances in AI, the role of IET members will be vital to harness these powerful capabilities and apply them to both
societal challenges and economic opportunities. As a passionate advocate of the role that engineering plays in our society, I will champion
the IET at all levels of public and private organisations and will seek to attract and inspire the next generation of world changing engineers
through schools and college engagement.”
Tim is a BT Distinguished Engineer, Managing Director of Research and Innovation for BT and MD of BT’s R&D Campus ‘Adastral Park’ in
Suffolk. Tim is on the board of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, serves on the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council, is a Visiting Professor with the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering department of Essex University and is a Policy Fellow
with the Centre for Science & Policy, University of Cambridge.
Tim joined BT at the age of 16 as an apprentice field engineer in North Wales. Following sponsored study at university he joined the Optical
Physics Division of BT’s Research department at Martlesham, Suffolk. He spent ten years conducting experimental research into optical
fibre amplifiers and lasers and their application in optical fibre communications systems. On leaving the research department Tim held a
number of roles ranging through technology consultancy, technical architecture and techno-economic analysis. In 2007 he was appointed
as BT Corporate Strategy Director and in 2011 he became Managing Director of Research and Innovation for BT.

WHAPSHOTT, Grazyna. MSc PGCE PGDipCIS CEng MIET FWES

M 1990
Retired, Hatfield, United Kingdom
Nominated by Ian Brooker, Barry Brooks, Hedley J Calderbank, Peter Deffee, Robin Donoghue, Jonathan Higgins, Anthony
James, George Kermez, Jinxiu Li, Betty McCarthy

I was born and educated in Warsaw (Poland), graduated with MSc in Microelectronics. From 1982 I continued my career
in England as a Lecturer in Electronic Engineering, progressing to a Principal Lecturer in Electronic Engineering at the
University of Greenwich until my retirement in 2010.
I am a member of the IET since 1990 and volunteered at the Kent Committee. I have continued my IET activities after my retirement, being
a Treasurer of the Beds & Herts Committee since 2012.
From October 2015 I am a member the IET Council. I was a member of the Council Working Party in the Building the Image, Perceived
Value and Understanding of Engineering (including Diversity) theme. The report of the theme has been approved by the IET Council and
recommended for the implementation in September 2016. During 2016-2017 I have been a member of the Council and of the Membership
and Professional Development Board. I am familiar with the workings and structures of both these bodies and positively contribute to
discussions in both forums.
I am delighted to be nominated for the IET Election 2018. I have a good understanding of the breadth and work of the IET. I have been a
volunteer in many different areas. I strongly believe in the role of the IET to support and promote advances in engineering and technology,
both to men and women in order to provide the career opportunities for future generations. If elected I will work hard to promote the
understanding and coherence across Boards and Council. As an active member of LN, I will also continue my contribution in promoting IET
to the public. I value your support in electing me as a member of the IET Council.

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SENEVIRATNE, G A D Rohan P. BSc(Eng) CEng FIET MBA FIE
Age 54. M 2000, F 2011
Deputy General Manager, Ceylon Electricity Board, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
Nominated by Dammika Nanayakkara, Rukmal Jayasinghe, Y M Samarasinghe, W D De Alwis, K K A C Samarasinghe,
Taraka Mohotti, J R Lucas, Lalith Liyanage, Narendra De Silva, Nisal Perera

“I have really enjoyed my IET volunteering experience over the past 12 years. The IET is becoming increasingly important in
today’s society as it supports technological innovation to meet the needs of society. The IET has a pivotal role in supporting
its members and society as a whole. If elected to Council, I would strive to utilize my skills, experience and knowledge to help
the IET to meet its objectives. I feel I can make a difference and help deliver positive results.”
Rohan has been an active volunteer for the IET since 2005 taking on a number of roles of Sri Lanka Network of 1000 members including
the Chairman position for the session 2011/12. At regional level, he has served as a member of the Communities Committee South Asia
(CCSA) for many years where he contributed for uplifting governance and best practices in local networks. He chaired the organizing
committee of the South Asia Volunteers Conference held in Sri Lanka in the year 2013 which was a great success. He has had a very
enriching experience on CCSA, working closely with IET staff and volunteers from different local networks in South Asia.
Rohan is a chartered electrical engineer with over 30 years of experience in the field of engineering and technology. He joined Ceylon
Electricity Board (CEB), 31 yrs ago as an engineer and at present serves as a Deputy General Manager heading a Distribution Division.
He also function as the Project Director of the Enterprise Resource Planning Project and heading the team entrusted for the digital
transformation of CEB. During his carrier, he served 4.5 yrs as the Additional Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Defence and Urban
Development, Sri Lanka where he contributed for uplifting technology in the defence sector and urban regeneration works in metro
Colombo region.

RAJPOOT, R N. ME MBA CEng FIET FIE FIETE FBES MAIMA MIIPA MIEEE MIRT MWEC
M 2005, F 2009
Chief Project Manager, Indian Railways, New Delhi, India
Nominated by Pradeep Chaturvedi Anoop, Kr Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Ashish Shrivastava, T N Kakaji, R S Grover, D C Pandey,
Rajesh Kumar, Aman Rajput, Tarini Baswal

Mr Rajpoot, an ME (Electrical), MBA & Course in German Language, joined Indian Railways Services of Engineers, after
qualifying through the very competitive IES Exam in 1987. Some of his areas of expertise are management of operation of
132/25 KV, 66/25 kv traction sub-stations power supply installations, 25 KV OHE, Remote Control Centre including SCADA,
planning, execution of traction distribution projects & their subsequent commissioning. He has been honoured with a National Award by
the Minister for Railways for his meritorious services in 2004.
Rajpoot’s involvement with IET at various levels, has been very active and multi-dimensional – IET Volunteer since 2005, current Chairman
of the Delhi Local Network, Vice Chair of South Asia Communities Committee, Mentor, Fellow assessor & IPRA besides helping to grow the
membership.
He has held or holding various positions of responsibility in many other professional bodies. He has been associated with many other
professional bodies – Institution of Engineers (I), IETE, BES (I). Life Member World Energy Council, IIPA, AIMA, IEEE.
His passion for engineering has led him to organise a number of National & International Seminars, Workshops, Lectures and Conferences
notable among which was the success of the 27th Indian Engineering Congress which was inaugurated by the President of India.
“As a Council Member of the IET, I, through my professional skills and governance experience look to bring a fresh perspective to serve the
interests of IET members, the Council and different Boards and the society at large.”

NEEDHAM, Paul Michael. PhD CEng FIET

Age 48. A 1997, M 2000, F 2013
BAE Systems Global Engineering Fellow, Senior Engineering Manager F-35 Lighting II, BAE Systems, Samlesbury, United
Kingdom
Nominated by Ian English, Ian Sudlow, Keith Rigby, Nick Easton, Alan Harding, Ian MacDiamid, Clyde Warsop, Robert Salter,
Nick Colosimo, Colin Finney

Paul has over 30 years’ experience in Aerospace Design and Manufacture Engineering at BAE Systems. He is a Chartered
Engineer, Global Engineering Fellow of BAE Systems; a Fellow of the IET and in 2008 was awarded a PhD in Aerospace Design
for Manufacture (DFM) which achieved an IET Innovation Award. In 2015 he was awarded the title of Visiting Professor within the School of
Computing and Engineering at the University of Huddersfield where he sits on the University’s Industrial Advisory Board.
Paul has worked in both the UK and in the United States; his current role is Senior Engineering Manager on the F-35 Lighting II program.
He has a number of publications in the field of Design for Manufacture and is also a member of external industrial and academia
committees.
Paul has established strong links with both academia and industry and has delivered lectures at leading Universities and conferences in his
field of expertise. He mentors many engineers in their career and journey to becoming professional registered, both within BAE Systems
and in his role as a Professional Registration Advisor (PRA) within the IET.
Paul started his career as an apprentice with BAE Systems and has combined part time academic study and research with his industrial
engineering knowledge making Paul one of very few people to have this combined experience within the UK’s engineering field. With
this unique experience and the IETs strategic vision Paul hopes to promote and develop young people’s aspirations in engineering and
innovation across the UK.

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DAFFORN, Timothy. PhD FIET
Age 47. F 2017
Professor of Biotechnology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

I am a Professor of Biotechnology, company founder and former scientific and entrepreneurial advisor to the British
Government. I am a passionate supporter of new technology, entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized companies.
In recent times we have seen unprecedented political and technological changes. These technical changes have been called
the 4th industrial revolution which encapsulates the introduction of innovations like the internet of things and AI. Both are leading to
upheavals in the way business is carried out. As a person with a biology background (but an engineer at heart) I know from evolution that
at times of change the fastest to adapt are always the winners.
IET can play a central role in ensuring that its members are the most adaptable helping their businesses to grow and prosper, taking
advantage of the new opportunities as they occur. Central to this is engendering a strong entrepreneurial spirit. While working in the UK
Government I have seen how entrepreneurial spirit can transform economies. From Silicon Valley to sub-Saharan Africa it is entrepreneurs
that see opportunities in markets or technologies and makes things happen. I believe if IET truly wants to support engineers to build a
better world then it needs to ensure they have the entrepreneurial skills to make it happen.
While serving on the IET Council I will:
• Champion activities that support and develop the entrepreneurial spirit of IET members.
• Ensure that IET activities benefit all, from employees of large corporates to small engineering and technology companies.
• Strongly support activities that ensure that our young members become the industry leaders of tomorrow.
• Ensure that the profile of IET globally is strengthened further so that it can continue to represent the members interests at the
highest levels.

CURTIS-THOMAS, Claire. BSc MBA HonPhD CEng FIMechE FIET FCGI FCIHP CIGEM HonFICES FIOD
F 2001
Chief Executive Officer, British Board of Agrément, Watford, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

“Whilst I am a time served mechanical engineering fitter, my passion lies in all things electrical. I have been proud to speak
up for our profession over the last 40 years. I remain a strong dedicated exponent of the role of engineers in creating and
defining our society. I would welcome the opportunity to represent the interests of the membership and the industry alike.
I have served a number of Engineering Institutions in various capacities over many years and had the privilege to work with individuals
who have devoted much time to further the interests of the profession. Having never been content with the status quo and conscious of
the fact that there is still so much work to do to advance the interests of the profession, I challenge constructively and robustly existing
arrangements with a determination to create a better environment for our successors.
As a serving Member of Parliament for 13 years, I campaigned on behalf of the IET to raise standards, and develop policy that would
protect our interests; indeed my maiden speech was all about engineering and our role in society. I am one of the original founders of
WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) and now in my capacity as CEO of the British Board of Agrément I continue to promote the role
of women in our profession, through a mentoring program.”

MUTHAMIZHCHELVAN, C. PhD FIET FIETE MIEEE MACM

F 2013
Director, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
Nominated by Prakash Nayak, Kapil Khanna, Lokesh Venkataswamy, Venkatesa Perumal Ramasamy, Sridhar Subramanian,
Gomathy Chidambaram, Prasanna Bharathi, Kathiravan Kannan, Nisha A S, Sanjith Vignesh Subramanian

Muthamizhchelvan is a passionate researcher and teacher serving over 32 years in the SRM Institute of Science and
Technology and persistently grown from academic role to the leadership level. He dynamically manages a magnitude of
over 25,000 students spread across 4 campuses and a faculty strength of over 2500. He has technical expertise in Solid
State Technology and has carried out methodical doctoral research in material sciences with 79 publications in high impact international
journals. His urge for research deepened in leading 14 research fellows in completing doctoral research. He holds as Guest Professor in the
Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University, Japan.
Muthamizhchelvan being a Certified Member, Management and Leadership in Education, Harvard University has honed his strategic
management skills in delivering a high impact engineering education in the Indian system. He holds reputable role as a Member, Peer
Team of National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Government of India. Muthamizhchelvan has made consistent efforts to drive the
institution toward international accreditations like IET, ABET and QS Ranking.
He is a Fellow of IET, UK, and also holds position as a Member India Development Board of IET, India. He is motivated by the ethos of IET in
creating socially aligned and innovation driven engineering community. He enables quality improvement strategies in technical education
and is determined that empowerment of people, industrial collaboration and implementation of ICT is an inevitable approach for global
excellence.
His competency and self-initiative behavior has steered him to versatile roles in various scientific and social organizations like Indian
Science Congress Association, Electronics Skill Council of India, Confederation of Indian Industries etc.
Given an opportunity Muthamizhchelvan’s acumen in engineering education space and exposure to larger member base away from London
will draw valuable insights to the board in designing strategic initiatives for the Asian higher education market.

8
TAN, Eng Hwa. BEng EMBA PMP MIET
Age 34. M 2014
Manager, New Business, ST Kinetics, Singapore
Nominated by Cheng Chia Loon, Edward Ho Teck Hwa, Alan Li Zhong, Jolyon Chaplin, Lim Meng Yong, Huang Ling Xi,
Morgan Boncici, Yan Qu Cheng, Chung Mun Kit, Liau Vui Kien

Eng Hwa is Chairman of the Young Professional Section (YPS) and Data Protection Officer of the Singapore Network. He
has been actively volunteering with the Singapore Network since 2013 starting as Committee Member and has successfully
organized multiple events, including Faraday Challenge and the network’s 40th anniversary dinner. He also initiated the YP
Forum in Singapore where young professional volunteers come together to discuss our desired future and how we can get there.
“To inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community, supporting technology innovation to meet the needs of society” is
the mission of the IET and Eng Hwa epitomises this by stepping up to lead amazing teams of volunteers to make engineering fun again by
thinking out of the box and experimenting with various mode of running events to see which gathered the best feedback from members.
He attended the Community Volunteers Conference where he shared best practices of the Singapore Network and adopted those of other
networks. He constantly engages the young professionals to take up more active volunteering roles in order to improve themselves.
Eng Hwa received his Executive Masters in Business Administration from Tsinghua University and INSEAD and his BEng (First Class Honors)
in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technology University. He is a certified Project Management Professional. Eng Hwa started
his career in the Military where he was a Company Commander before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey as a co-founder of an
Internet of Things (IoT) startup. Eng Hwa is currently a Manager in ST Kinetics.
Having worked with people from diverse culture in multidisciplinary engineering environment and managing teams to deliver result
through strategic thinking while ensuring risk management and proper governance, Eng Hwa is well position to serve in Council to express
the views of global members in a professional and constructive manner.

BARBER, Josh. FdSc EngTech TMIET

Age 23. A 2015, M 2016
Tendering Lead Engineer, ABB, Stone, United Kingdom
Nominated by Alison Gibbings, Suzanne Flynn, Bernard Weiss, Pantelis Georgiou, Jack Heaffey, Mark Sullivan,
Muhammed Siddiqui, Scott Tomlinson, Steven Lapensee, Maurice Ezeoke

Josh has been a member of the IET since joining ABB as an Apprentice in 2012; the IET have supported Josh in his
development by providing support and guidance with his professional registration and by providing opportunities to support
IET events such as the Time of the light and Big Bang Event helping to inspire the next generation of engineers. Inspiring the
next generation of engineers is something that is close to Josh’s heart; Josh is part of ABB’s core team for a school support programme
where students from the local area are invited into the business for a day of activities and an insight into the world of engineering. Josh
also supports ABB’s work experience programme and since starting at ABB has produced a Work Experience Handbook that provides the
students with a structured scheme of work for their time within the business and offers the student an opportunity to build a portfolio
of experience to take to university/job interviews in the future. Josh has worked on and supported many key projects including the UKs
largest onshore wind farm project where he took on significant design responsibility and re-designed a key piece of equipment on site to
improve safety, reduce time and facilitate ease of maintenance in the future. All of his hard work has not gone un-noticed as Josh won the
IET Apprentice of the year award 2016, the IET local area network award for his work with Newcastle under Lyme College and was runner
up in the Association of Colleges Apprentice of the year award. This has provided Josh with the platform to promote apprenticeships
further by supporting the IET with its work experience case studies and attending ABB’s Parliamentary receptions where Josh has spoken
to ministers and ABB’s clients about the benefits of apprenticeship programmes.
If elected, Josh would like to provide a view from a younger members perspective, driving apprenticeships and the importance of inspiring
the next generation of Engineers.

9
LIM, Yew Kee. CEng MIET
AM 1986, M 2010
Vice-President, Tauhop Solutions, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia; Adjunct Lecturer, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Bota, Perak, Malaysia
Nominated by Adrian F Pauling, Robert B Heaton, Mohd Zaid Bin Abdullah, Goh Hui Hwang, Lee Ching Kwang,
Banu A P Poobalan, Azizi Bin Harun, Sohiful Anuar Bin Zainol Murad, Shahrul Bin Kamaruddin, Lee See Fung

Yew Kee is seeking election to the Council to continue contributing to the IET policy, for governance and relevance to the
global engineering profession.
He is a registered Chartered Engineer (CEng), having 30 years’ experience in the international engineering and technology profession,
Fortune 500 and listed companies globally.
His appointments in the IET are as follows, Council – coordinator and member of the Knowledge Services Board, IPRA, PRI, IET Ambassador
supporting IET China, and IET Industry Representative.
He appointments by Universities and Governmental organisation in Malaysia:
• Advisory Panel (PNOSS; Life member), National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS), Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia.
• National Industry Expert (DPIN), National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS), Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia.
• Industry/Community Advisory Panel (ICAP), External Assessor, Industry Speaker, at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, in
Malaysia.
• Adjunct Lecturer, School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Malaysia.
His achievements as the executive member of IET Manufacturing TPN (year 2013~2016), having organised the 1st IET TPNs in Asia Pacific
region, attended by around 200 delegates in Penang, Malaysia. Then, followed by collaboration with multinationals corporation to organise
eight (8) events in the year 2014 and five (5) events in the year 2015, attended by around 1,000 delegates.
Regionally, he has consistently promoted IET’s membership and delivered technical lectures to all members and non-members. In the year
2016, as the IET Ambassador supporting IET China, he has successfully delivered technical lectures to professional bodies and universities
in Beijing and Nanjing, China. In June 2017, he was invited to delivered technical lectures to engineering students and as a judge to the
PATW competition; these activities were published in three local newspapers in Yangon, Myanmar.

JOHNSON, Frank. BSc MASc PhD CEng FIET PEng

M 1976, F 1992
President, Ottawa Instrumentation Ltd, Ottawa, Canada
Nominated by Gwilym Davies, Matthew Deakin, Eric Dodman, Hudson Egbert, Bhagvat Joshi, King On Lee, Frank Lewis,
Ron McMurtrie, John Vines, Gareth Wood

“Three years on Council and two on KSB have provided considerable insight into some of the core challenges that face the
Institution. Three financial assumptions have been questioned:
• The IET has ample reserves. Yes, but with considerable restrictions.
• Inspec is a “cash cow”. Yes, but with steady attrition and may be susceptible to sudden decline.
• Surplus funds from Knowledge Services sustain other IET activities. Yes, up to a point.
The hesitation is that within the next five years we shall rely on Inspec Analytics and the IET Academy for major sustained revenue. Both
are new ventures, require good governance and may justify operational restructuring to maximise benefit.
The promises of “Governance for the Future” have still to be fully realised, and Council has been constrained in surmountable ways that
need to be addressed.
For over 20 years I have been active on the Ottawa LN committee. I took over a languishing oceanographic instrument company and
placed it firmly on the world stage, then turned around an iconic pub in Ottawa. I travel extensively, working with interdisciplinary teams
on environmental projects such as the Three Gorges Reservoir and the Simandou iron mines. I serve on boards for a charity in India and
burgeoning charitable activities in Ottawa. I belong to the board of a medical engineering company in Oxford and promote STEM activities
in schools.
On Council I have contributed to monitoring governance, the nominations and succession committee and strategy.
If elected for a further term my experience will assist Council to:
• Understand the economic realities that face the Institution.
• Focus action within Council to offer sound counsel to respond.
• Develop a vision for the IET at international levels.
• Enhance the sustainability of the Institution.
• Embrace and serve the growing and vibrant engineering communities worldwide.”

10
HURST, Rachel. MSc FIET
Age 46. F 2016
Chief Operating Officer, Domino Printing Sciences (subsidiary of Brother Industries), Cambridge, United Kingdom
Nominated by the Board of Trustees

Rachel has had a wide range of engineering, operational, supply chain and commercial roles within Domino in a career
spanning 26 years. She started off in Manufacturing Engineering roles primarily focussed in new product development,
progressing through to product management and global operational and supply chain management.
She was appointed as Executive Committee level in 2006, progressing to PLC Board Level in 2015, the first female in Domino’s history.
She is now one of 3 board members as a subsidiary company of Brother Industries with a set of goals around aggressive growth through
successful adoption of an industry leading new range of products and services underpinned by IOT cloud based computing.
2016 saw her progress further to position of COO, with responsibilities across group R&D, operations and MIS. In her role, Rachel is
responsible for ensuring highly configured products are both launched and delivered through customer centric networks across a
globalised company selling into 120 countries.
Rachel is an IET Viscount Nuffield Silver Medal Winner (2015). Her teams have achieved recognition in Best Electrical and Electronics Plant
in the Cranfield Best Factory Awards (2016) and the MX Supply Chain Excellence Award in association with The Manufacturer magazine and
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2017).
With the IET, Rachel has been an Awards Committee member since 2016 and would appreciate the opportunity to further her contribution
to promoting the engineering sector in general, but also encouraging female participation and young people in a rewarding set of career
options that are not yet fully exploited. “I have a passion for engineering, I believe it is a sector that the UK must be successful in and can
demonstrate broad experience in commercialising customer value from successful developments.”

BROADBERRY, Paul Edward. BSc CEng FIET

Age 59. S 1980, AM 1982, M 1985, F 1997
Freelance, York, United Kingdom
Nominated by Mick Nadin, Bill Plews, John Bengazzi, Brian Heathcote, Richard Remmie, Alan Chater, Crinela Pislaru,
Cedric Wood, Paul Smith and Patrick Mason

Global changes are affecting the way people learn, work, trade, communicate, collaborate, and perceive the value of
engineering and technology within their local contexts. The IET must strive to be current, relevant and engaged. Paul seeks
to influence outcomes directly as a member of Council and by networking.
Paul is chair of the IET North Yorkshire Local Network and his nominators are all themselves members of their respective Local Network
committees. He also represents NY on the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Committee helping to co-ordinate decision-making and best
practice across four Local Networks. Paul is involved initiatives to coordinate activities with other Institutions to increase reach and
influence locally and nationally. He has participated in educational events with other Institutions at the National STEM centre.
Paul graduated in Communications Engineering from Leeds Met in 1981. He held communications design roles in Defence industries before
moving to UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Technology Management roles (1986-1999), then to Logica plc as a
Group-level Programme Director (1999-2003), then to BT plc (2003-2015) in Programme Director and Senior Business Director roles. Since
mid-2015 Paul has freelanced. He has travelled extensively and lived and worked in Hong Kong (1993-1994) and Tokyo (2001-2002). Paul
has been a member of the IET since 1980 and was a Fellow at age 39.

11
 ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES RESOURCING COMMITTEE 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS

JOSHI, Bhagvat. BSc MBA MIET

S 1978, M 1982
Senior Technology Analyst, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Ottawa, Canada
Nominated by Kevin Murray, Edwin Morton, Frank Johnson, Gareth Wood, Colin Billowes

Bhagvat Joshi has dedicated his time as a volunteer with the IET for over two decades. He is currently a member of the
Communities Committee Americas (CC-A) and the IET Ottawa Local Network Committee where he also served as the Hon
Treasurer. Bhagvat also served on Council for as the Chairman of the Council Strategy Working Party (2015). Additionally,
Bhagvat is Chairman of the IEEE Ottawa Consultants Network and a volunteer with the IEEE Humanitarian Technology, where
he dedicates some of his time and energy to help the needy.
If elected to the Communities Resourcing Committee (CRC), Bhagvat would bring the perspective of what it takes for IET to be successful in
North America through his direct experience with the Ottawa LN, the CC-A and other organizations such as the IEEE who also face similar
challenges as the IET in terms of recruiting and retaining members. His experience with the CC-A in particular would be an asset to the
CRC which has responsibilities across all regions and works with the CC-A to implement these in the Americas.
Bhagvat graduated in 1982 with a degree in Electronic, Computer and Systems Engineering from Loughborough University, UK. He also
earned an MBA from uOttawa, Canada. Bhagvat has lived and worked in the UK, USA and Canada and his professional experience includes
start-ups, established companies and public policy in Telecommunications and networking.

BONICI, Morgan. BEng MSc MIET

Age 33. M 2011
Programme Manager, Qioptiq Singapore Pte, Singapore
Nominated by Lee Ken Yeen, Liau Vui Kien, Tan Teng Hwang, Cheng Chia Loon, Cheng Kai Xian

“I am very keen on doing my part to spread the global reach of the IET and to boost its status in places where it is not
widely known. Of the key IET mission statements, the one which most resonates with me is “Inspiring the next generation
of engineers and technicians” as to me, this is the key to the future of engineering and one of the best areas to build the
IET reputation by providing help and inspiration to engineering students and young professionals. As such I am especially
looking to being able to support global Local Networks, On-Campus Groups and Young Professional Sections.
My education background is in Aerospace and then Materials Engineering however I entered the Optical Engineering field first doing
Mechanical Design for fibre-coupled lasers followed by a move to Singapore to take a position in Quality and now as a Programme Manager
overseeing the entire process of production of precision optical components and sub-assemblies. It has been a great challenge to learn the
theory and practical skills required for this exciting field so my focus has always been on continuous learning and trying to think outside of
the box to resolve issues.
I first joined the Solent Local Network but after my move became an active volunteer within the Singapore Local Network first as part of
the Young Professional Section, then as IET LifeSkills Trainer and now as Assistant Honorary Secretary for the Singapore LN. In this time
I have been involved in organising and hosting many events including talks and workshops in partnership with local IET On-Campus groups
but my true calling has been in mentoring students for example with presentations skills for the PATW competition.”

CHRISTOU, Christos. BSc TMIET

Age 43. A 2010, M 2015
Risk Surveyor & Health, Safety and Security Officer, CNP Insurance, Nicosia, Cyprus
Nominated by Hisham Rojoa, Imran Shafique Ansari, Janice Man, Nouman Abid Shuhan, Alexis Polycarpou

Mr Christos Christou graduated from the Higher Technical Institute in Cyprus in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical
Engineering. It is currently employed as a Risk Surveyor by the International Insurance firm CNP Insurance in Cyprus. In
the past he worked as an Electrical Technician for the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and later as a Government Labour
Inspector. Moreover, he is a professional in Health, Safety and Security with more than 15 years of experience in the field,
being a member of several organisations and attending seminars and conferences both in Cyprus and abroad.
Mr Christou has been an active volunteer with the IET since 2008 and has been a Cyprus Network Committee member since 2010. Having
the position of the Events Coordinator in the Local Network Committee, he has organised and participated in almost all events and
conferences in the island.
For the period 2014 to 2017, he has been elected as an Ordinary Member in Communities Committee Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA).
Having the title of the Communications Manager, he focused on the use of Social Media which is the “language” spoken and understood by
engineers and young professionals as well as the IET online tools. The major personal success was the broadcast of the EMEA Volunteers
Conference and PATW Completion, held in Dubai in 2017, using Facebook Live which still receives great figures of Visits, Likes and Shares.
“If I am given the opportunity to serve through the CRC Committee I will give me best to support and review communities’ activities around
the world as well as to assist in the growth of IET networks globally.”

12
MARSALINE BENO, M. BE MTech PhD MIET
Age: 40. M 2007
Dean, Student Affairs & Head of EEE Department, St Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering, Tamilnadu, India
Nominated by D Judson, W Vinil Dani, A George Ansfer, A Arthi Jannie, J Leon Bosco Raj

Dr M Marsaline Beno graduated in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1998 from Government College of Engineering,
Tirunelveli. He obtained his MTech from College of Engineering, Trivandrum in 2000, specializing in Electrical Machines
and completed PhD from Anna University Chennai in 2009 under the specialization of Electrical drives & Control. He is
in teaching profession for the past seventeen years. His area of research interest is application of artificial intelligence
techniques to electrical drives and power systems. He is a professional Member of IET and IEEE. Currently he is the faculty coordinator
of IET Academic Affiliate of St. Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering and Treasurer of IET Kanyakumari Local Network. He was also a
member of IET Council during 2013-2016.
He has taken initiative to open IET student chapters in ten engineering colleges and a Local Network (Kanyakumari LN) in southern part of
India. He organized many Seminars, Workshops and Conferences under the banner of IET. He received many awards and prizes from IET
and other societies.
“I am very proud to be a member of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary engineering society. My experience in Council and local network
enriches my awareness on membership drive and importance of events. I commit if I am provided with an opportunity to work in CRC,
I will work with extreme zeal and enthusiasm to prove my talents, wholehearted service and serve best for the Institution. I assure my
voice would be beneficial to Communities Resourcing Committee on the planning, resource allocation and execution of events to different
regions.

13
 ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE – ASIA PACIFIC 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS

JANANTHAN, R. BScEng MBA-MOT CEng CITP MIET MIEEE AME MCPM JP

S 1999, M 2003
Senior Manager, Commercial Management, Ericsson, Melboune, Australia
Nominated by Karunadasa Priyantha, Kwong Chiew-Foong, Arthur Baoustanos, David Leong, Jolly Wong

“Dear my friends, my wish and vision is to gain more footprint for IET and to be well recognized institution globally. While
I was serving in South Asia Board years ago, I established new networks in the region with more members and I generated
new ideas in the region and implemented. Presently I have taken initiative to work with large industries in Australia for
the professional registration of IET to be recognized, which bring valuable member and volunteers to IET. Presently, being
member of Volunteer Engagement Board (VEB) helps me to do more in the membership drive and volunteer motivation. I will be better
bridge between Asia Pacific committee and VEB.
I joined IET in 1999 and established IET chapters in Universities and joined with IET-YMS Sri Lanka in 2001 and retired as YMS chair. I was
Hon Secretary of IET Sri Lanka network and Board member of SARB. I engaged with Global Finance Committee in 2007/8. I have put lot of
effort on IET branding using TV channels, membership promotions and Professional registration. Currently I am a member of IET Victoria
committee. I am also a member of Volunteer Engagement Board, PRI/IPRA and committee member of MMC TPN.
APAC region for IET is large with more diversity and therefore there is big potential in the region for IET to be established in different
areas. If I elected, I can bring new ideas and implement in the region with committee’s support. I organized first PATW competition in
APAC in Malaysia. I am sure I can do much more in the Region with my past experiences. My vision is the APAC region to contribute
significantly to achieve IET 2020 Goals. Let’s work together. The key is that to make our institution to be known by many professional
globally.”

PITELEN, Rob. MBA BEng BSc CEng MIET

M 2011
Operations Manager, Raytheon Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Nominated by John Noonan, James Mitchell, Clinton Sewell, Christopher Stoker, Gary Neave

Since moving from the UK to Australia in 2014, Rob has been actively involved in the IET Local Network in South Australia,
chairing the committee for the past 2 years. He has led the Local Network through a growth period achieving enhanced
event delivery, improved YP engagement and an increase in committee membership. “I feel privileged to be working with
an active group of talented engineers from diverse backgrounds and sectors.” Rob initiated the Defence Professional
Networking Event; now completed its 2nd year with keynote by a Federal Minister, attracts 100 business leaders, students and YPs. Rob has
recently started a one year appointment to the Communities Committee Asia Pacific (CCAP).
Rob is an Operations Manager on the Australian Air Warfare Destroyer program. With over 20 years’ experience in the global defence
environment, Rob has a diverse engineering background in aircraft maintenance, submarine safety, shipbuilding and systems integration.
Following a dynamic operational career in the Royal Air Force, Rob is enjoying the career change to the defence industry.
Rob is passionate about connecting people, sharing experience and developing the future engineering workforce. He advocates that our
Young Professionals are the future of the engineering community and that their professional development is a responsibility for senior
engineers. He also understands the significant contribution the IET can offer the Australian engineering community through global
networking and a greater use of existing activities including the Present Around The World competition and Lifeskills. “As an IET volunteer
and recent CCAP member with both an engineering and business background, I would be privileged to continue to coordinate some of the
collective lessons learned and innovative ideas to the wider IET engineering community across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.”

14
 ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE – EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA 2018 –
ORDINARY MEMBERS

POLYCARPOU, Alexis. BEng MSc PhD CEng MIET

Age 40. AM 2009, M 2009
Assistant Professor, Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus
Nominated by Christos Christou, Marios Agrotis, Harilaos Karavas, Savvas Savvides, Michael Andreou

Dr Alexis Polycarpou received his BEng degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of the West of
England in Bristol, followed by an MSc in Electrical Power Systems from the University of Bath. While being a member of
the Power Systems and Electronics Research Group of UWE, Bristol, he was employed as a Visiting Lecturer and received his
PhD in Electrical Power Systems. He then worked as an international research and development engineer for Siemens AG,
Amberg, Germany. He is currently an Assistant Professor and Erasmus coordinator at the Electrical Engineering Department of Frederick
University, Cyprus. His research resulted to a number of books, journal, and conference paper publications.
Dr Polycarpou has been the IET CY YP chairman, and an IET Cyprus Network committee member since 2009. His social personality and
communication skills have significantly contributed towards the promotion of the IET among the engineering community in Cyprus and
resulted to the expansion of the Local Network.
He has organised and participated in almost all events and conferences of the CY LN including MedPower 2010 and PATW EMEA
competition in 2014, as well as numerous engineering conferences worldwide. He has also represented Cyprus at the IET YP event, and IET
Volunteers Weekend in 2010.
“As an active and enthusiastic IET volunteer, if elected, I want to further promote the values, mentality and knowledge of the IET to YPs
and students of all ages. One of my main goals will be to establish collaboration among regional networks, as well as between the IET
and other professional bodies. My experience in industry and academia, provide me with the capability and desire to inspire the next
generation of engineers, and significantly contribute towards the further establishment of IET as a multidisciplinary professional body in
the EMEA region.”

McLOUGHLIN, Christopher. MEng CEng MIET FIEI

S 1974, M 1977
Consultant Electrical Engineer, Dublin, Ireland
Nominated by Christopher J Bruce, Kevin O’Riordan, Aidan Langley, Cecil Scully, John Ging

Following his career with the Electricity Supply Board Ireland, where over his time there he held various managerial and
technical positions within the company, Chris retired as Specialist Engineer, HV Stations, Asset Management. This was
followed by periods as a consultant engineer on projects based in Tanzania and subsequently Malawi for the, USA funded,
Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Chris, having initially joined the IET as a student member in 1974 and member in 1977, has now been 44 years within the IET family. He first
became an active member of the Ireland Network 25 years ago when he took up the role as Hon Secretary, which he held for 6 years, Hon
Treasurer for a further 6 years and then served as their Chairperson. He has since taken up the role again as Hon Secretary. Over that
period, Chris also served on the IET EuroExec Group, followed by a term with the Global Operations Finance Committee leading into a 3
year term with the Europe, Middle East and Africa Board. He also serves as an IET Professional Review Interviewer.
Chris would contribute to the development, implementation and dissemination of IET policies, views and objectives if elected to the
position. In carrying out this role, he would bring to the table his many years of experience involved in planning, designing, monitoring and
evaluating solutions to challenges and their implementation.
“I passionately believe in the importance of engineering to our society, and think the IET is ideally placed to promote this. If elected I
would participate in helping to drive the IET forward with particular emphasis on involving younger members and the achievement of a
broader gender balance in the organisation.”

BEEHARRY, M A Reza. BSc PGCE MIET

Age 62. S 1979, AM 1979, M 2002
Head of Mathematics Department, College De La Confiance, Beau Bassin, Mauritius
Nominated by S Kinnoo, R Bunjun, J L Yinko, D Li Yen Pin, M Gooroochurn

Reza is 62 years old and graduated in 1979 with a First Class Honours degree in Combined Engineering Studies at Lanchester
Polytechnic, Coventry. He then worked as an Assistant Engineer at Plessey Telecommunications, Taplow, until December
1980. In 1981, he was employed at College De La Confiance, and is at present Head of the Mathematics Department.
He is an active member of the IET Mauritius Network and is involved in all the activities organized by the LN. He was Chairman of the LN
in 2009 and 2010. He helped in organizing talks in colleges by Engineers on “An Awareness in Engineering “to make students aware of
different fields. He also helped in the planning and running of the local PATW competition.
In 2013, Reza was elected as Council member. This experience in Council has helped him to think creatively, speak up his mind in a
professional way, make good judgements, understand the functions, roles and responsibilities of a volunteer and work with a team spirit.
He is passionate about the Institution and would help:
• Change the mindset of engineering status in schools in the EMEA region and promote engineering as a career to young people and to
attract more girls to Engineering.
• To raise the profile of engineering in the EMEA region by enhancing professional status of members and to recognise the contribution
of engineers in society.
• To increase membership growth and local networks in the EMEA region.

15
 ELECTION TO THE COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE – SOUTH ASIA 2018 – ORDINARY MEMBERS

RAJA, R Bright Reginold. BE MBA MIET

Age 42. A 2014, M 2015
Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Management Studies, St Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering, Nagercoil,
India
Nominated by S Joseph Sekhar, M Marsaline Beno, V Christus Jaya Singh, R P Anto Kumar, A Subitha

R. Bright Reginold Raja is a BE Mechanical Engineering and a Management (MBA) graduate specialized in Production and
Marketing. He has over 6 years of industrial experience in sales, service and indigenization with professionally managed
Indian companies. Later he transited to teaching field in the area of management studies and for the last 12 years he
has been teaching Quality Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management and Business Ethics. He has organized
many training programs and on/off campus placement drives for the students. He has also contributed as the Entrepreneurship Cell
Coordinator. He is associated with charitable and non profit organisations supporting students to pursue higher studies and promoting
entrepreneurship.
Bright has successfully implemented his management and leadership skills by engaging both work and social service put together. Since
the last 4 years, Bright is associated with the IET and actively participating in promoting IET and enhancing its technical activities in south
Tamilnadu and Kerala. Motivation and volunteer support are the key factors to achieve IET’s mission and vision.
“If elected, I will strive to develop membership growth, encourage and motivate members to become active in various volunteering roles
and support the IET to expand its branches in South Asia and will prove to be an asset to the IET.”

JAYASINGHE, Rukmal. BSc(Eng) MEng MA MBA CEng FIET IntPE FIE

Age 46. M 2012, F 2014
Director, Minel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
Nominated by R. Senawirathne, H Ranmuthugala,T Mohotti, N. Jayasuriya, K Gunawardana

As an experienced Administrator with strategic planning and leadership skills, Rukmal is currently associated with Minel
Lanka Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka as a Director. Previously he was the CEO of Kevilton Electrical Products Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka, which is
the leading electrical accessories manufacturing company in Sri Lanka.
Rukmal has been passionate about volunteering in IET since 1996 as an initial committee member of first ever YMS (Now YP). He served
as the Honorary Secretary of IET Sri Lanka Network from 2012 to 2015 and served as the vice chairman from 2015 to 2017. Currently he is
the Chairman of IET Sri Lanka Network.
During his 20 years career, Rukmal has demonstrated his leadership in the corporate sector in Sri Lanka and in large scale complex
Electrical Engineering related projects. As an honour of his achievement and contribution towards the profession, he was awarded the
Outstanding Chartered Electrical Engineer award by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka at the Engineering Excellence Awards in year
2011.
Rukmal continues to help in developing the skills of undergraduates of University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka by acting as a mentor. He was
also a board member of the faculty of engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Also he conducted a major CSR programme to
upgrade the skills of local electricians and contributed as an advisor for the first ever IET Young Woman Engineer Award competition
organized by YP.
If selected, Rukmal would actively bring to the South Asia Communities Committee the perspective from Sri Lanka and how the IET can
continue to be relevant to be its members and to the society. He believes that the IET could provide an excellent platform for the young
engineers and establish a successful career path through professional networks.

SEKHAR, Sujan G. BE MBA MIET

Age 38. A 2010, M 2013
Market and Business Development Manager (All India), American Chemical Society, Bangalore, India
Nominated by Satish Masilamani, S Manikandan, Vishnu Vardan Atmakuri, Lokesh Venkataswamy, G Kavyasrhee

Mr Sujan Sekhar, a graduate in Chemical Engineering has been and is associated with the Research and Publication Industry
for over 14 years. Seven of those has been with the IET India team publishing division activities. He has travelled widely in
the region with close interactions with members, volunteers and staff. As a result he has a very good insight into the IET. He
is now an active volunteer and has become an invaluable member of the Bangalore Local Network Committee. He is ideally
positioned to understand the realities of the situation more accurately and to take on key roles at the South Asia level to raise members’
interests for the wider benefit of the IET.
“If elected to SACC, I would strive to utilise my skills, experience and knowledge to help the IET to stay relevant. I feel I can make a
difference to help deliver positive results.”

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 ELECTION TO THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY COMMITTEE 2018 –
ORDINARY MEMBERS (UNDER 30)

SAHA, Sudeshna. BTech

Age 25. S 2012, A 2016
Career break, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
Nominated by Samarjit Sengupta, K C Mukhopadhyay, Rajarshi Gupta, Kaushik Das Sharma, J N Bera

Sudeshna graduated in 2015 with BTech (Electrical) from West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata, India. As a member
of the Students’ Chapter of IET in her college, she assisted in coordinating and organising a number of workshops, industrial
trainings, seminars which promoted continuous learning of recent technologies among the student members of IET.
Being the Global Winner of PATW 2014, she got the opportunity to connect with learned and passionate members in India and others
globally. This enriching experience gave her insights into the various contributions that the IET networks make towards the growth of
science, engineering and technology.
“Given the opportunity to serve in the YPCC, I shall:
• Encourage more engineering students and young professionals to be a part of YP networks of IET, motivate them to bring their work,
innovative ideas, volunteering and management qualities to the fore; put particular stress on women engineers to enable them to
contribute to the best of their abilities.
• Coordinate, engage and form strong links among various YP networks to share, learn and grow as a family for the advancement of
technology and of IET.
• Focus on organising events such as PATW that not only enhance technical knowledge but also communication skills.”

BARRABIA GIL, Laura. MSc(Eng)

Age 26. S 2014, A 2015
Strategic Project Manager, Georg Fischer (GF), Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Nominated by Michele Fiorini, Peter Dias-Lacaca, Terry Dawes, Peta Blight, Ved Prakash

Laura holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from UPC-Barcelona and ETH-Zurich, graduating among the top 10
students. As Strategic Project Manager at GF, she is currently responsible for the global implementation of Design Thinking,
a user-centred and agile approach to innovation.
Laura joined the IET in 2014 when she won the EMEA Present Around the World (PATW) competition. Since 2015 she serves as a member
of the CC-EMEA board and represents the EMEA region in the Young Professionals Community Committee (YPCC). She played a key role in
increasing the number of Local Networks involved in the EMEA PATW, from 15 to 21. In addition, she is the YP Representative of the Local
Network Switzerland Committee, where she has organized various events focused on students and young professionals.
“I am really proud of being a member and ambassador of such a multidisciplinary and international institution. I could not be more
grateful for all the opportunities that have been given to me and the inspiring people I had the chance to meet and work with since I joined
the IET.
In the last two years, I have been able to travel and talk with IET volunteers and members from several LNs, getting to know more about
their needs and motivations. One of my most rewarding experiences was leading a hands-on innovation workshop in Mauritius to over 50
highly talented engineers.
I am passionate about engaging and showing the value of the IET to students and young professionals. If I am elected, I would like to focus
on:
• Driving innovative competitions and initiatives.
• Encouraging the global sharing of best practices and success stories.
• Increasing the number of On Campus Groups and Young Professional engagement.”

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GEOFFER JAISH, R L. BE MIET
Age 23. S 2013, M 2016
Assistant Engineer, AVL India Pvt Ltd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nominated by S S Selva Pradeep, M John Bosco, Jain B Marshel, S V Kayalvizhi, and P Suji Garland

Geoffer was graduated in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from St Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering, Nagercoil
and pursuing MBA degree in Human Resource Management stream at Anna University, Chennai. Currently he is working as
an Assistant Engineer in AVL, being responsible for Testing and Development of Electric Vehicles.
Presently he is volunteering as an Executive Member in IET Kanyakumari Local Network Young Professional Section for the past two years.
He took part in IET South Asia Community Volunteer Conference, Mumbai and his team became the Winner of Creative Expressions
Competition. With his contribution as the IET Student Chapter Chairman, his College received Best Academic Support Award and the
Poster prepared by him for IET Kanyakumari Local Network became the winner of the Poster Competition in IET South Asia Level.
He serves as an effective volunteer of IET from 2013 and has received:
• IET Best Volunteer Award, IET Icon of the Year Award, IET Best Designer Award, IET Ambassador Award from IET SXCCE Student
Chapter.
• IET KKLN YPS Achiever Award and, IET KKLN Best Outgoing Student Award from IET Kanyakumari Local Network and became the
Winner of Innovative Idea Generating Event.
He has received five Awards apart from IET.
Being the IET Student Chapter Chairman he has organized lot of Events, Seminars, Workshops, etc and released a magazine IET Explore.
He has given motivational speech to his College students and was invited as the Chief Guest from IET On Campus too. He constantly keeps
attending IET gatherings in his Student Chapter and Local Network.
“I want to use my full energy and contribute my best to the IET Young Professional by bringing more students and engineers together and
make them aware of IET and its benefits and bring out their hidden talents through IET and meet the global requirements.”

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