WMG is pleased to announce the appointment of Archie MacPherson, as the new CEO of the WMG centre High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

Archie joins WMG, bringing over 25 years' experience in manufacturing, having previously worked for IBM, ICL, Lucas Industries and Mettis Group serving the Automotive, Aerospace, Defence, Energy & Rail sectors. He has held leadership roles in organisations covering family, public and private equity owned structures. Archie was also a founding member of the Advanced Forming Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, and latterly CEO (of AFRC) from 2012 to 2016.

Archie, who previously studied at Harvard Business School, comments: “I’m passionate about helping companies to improve their

competitiveness, and I’m looking forward to using my expertise to help convert the art and science of innovation into tangible results.”

The WMG centre is focused on collaborative research and development in the area of low carbon mobility. It has specialist expertise in Lightweight Materials, Advanced Propulsion Systems and Intelligent Mobility. The centre helps companies to improve their products, process and technologies by accelerating and de-risking the uptake of innovation.

Archie has previously held board positions with ALFED (the trade association for the Aluminium industry), MGTS (Midland Group Training Services), as well as positions on several sector-specific advisory committees. In addition, he worked with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government in developing an Innovation Strategy to support the Manufacturing sector in Scotland. In his new role, Archie will also represent WMG on the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Management Board.