Our People

Professor Kerry Kirwan

Dean of WMG, University of Warwick

Kerry provides expert investment, policy and strategy advice to international agencies, funders, and governments as the Chair of WMG's Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Group.

He has also served as Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing and Strategic Director of the Industrial Doctorate Centre at WMG.

An expert in circular economy, sustainable materials, polymer processing, and industrial applications, his work has seen him win the British Science Association’s Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture and the IOM3 Thornton Gold Medal.

Dyrr Ardash

Director of Business Development

Experienced in driving strategic growth, sustainability, and business transformation in the mobility and transport sectors, Dyrr is passionate about developing commercially viable solutions that balance innovation, operational excellence, and environmental impact.

Paul Bradley

Chief Finance Officer

Paul qualified as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young and has worked with private equity investors and multinational companies across a range of sectors. He joined WMG six years ago after working within central finance for the University.

Danielle Bonsor

Head of Technical Services, Facilities and Compliance

Danielle leads the team behind the smooth running of WMG's labs, workshops, teaching spaces, and communal areas. She also ensures the department is compliant with relevant health and safety standards.

Professor Gill Cooke

Pro-Dean (Director) Education

Gill is a chartered engineer who began her career as a 16-year-old apprentice. She spent over a decade in industry before transitioning to academia, where she's held various leadership roles, including Head of Teaching at the School of Engineering.

Professor Kurt Debattista

Director of Research Degrees

Kurt holds a PhD from the University of Bristol and is a Professor at WMG. His research has focused on applied AI and creative technologies, and he has engaged with industry, including JLR, Arup and Lear, on several projects.

Professor David Greenwood

CEO of WMG HVMC Centre and Director for Industrial Engagement

David is a research and technology leader in the field of vehicle propulsion systems. He established WMG's Energy Directorate and is Co-Chair of DESNZ Science and Technology Advisory Council.

Mike Hundal

Head of Information Technology Systems

Mike began his career in software development for real-time machine tool controllers. Since joining WMG in 1990, he has been involved in all aspects of IT, as well as teaching and student project supervision.

Professor Paul Jennings

Pro-Dean (Director) Research

Paul is a physicist who has been with WMG for over 30 years, working on research with industrial and academic partners. In particular, he has established teams in electrification, experiential engineering and connected and automated mobility.

Helen Lyman Smith

Director of Marketing, Communications and Advocacy

Helen's team works to engage audiences with WMG's brand, purpose, and impact. She has more than 25 years' experience in all aspects of marketing and communication, across an array of sectors.

Charles Martin

Head of Programme Delivery

Charles joined WMG in 2023 after almost 30 years in vehicle engineering, manufacturing, product development and management consultancy. He is currently Head of Programme Delivery for WMG.

Sophie Meeson

Departmental Administrator

Sophie has over 14 years of experience in administration and project support and has been at WMG since 2019. She leads the department’s administrative activities and represents WMG at faculty-level meetings.

Phil Wall

Operations Director at WMG HVMC Centre

An accomplished engineer and business leader, Phil held many senior roles at JLR before joining WMG. Outside of work, he served as the Non-Executive Chair of Belgrade Theatre Enterprises, helping to champion the arts in Coventry.

Simon Webb

Chief Technology Officer

Simon leads WMG's technology and industrialisation strategy. He has over 25 years’ experience in aerospace engineering and sits on the UK Aerospace Growth Partnership Board and Technical Advisory Group of the Aerospace Technology Institute.