Ian Ritchey recently became Director of Engineering and Technology Defence UK at Rolls-Royce plc. Prior to that he spent several years managing the company's aerospace research and technology programme, as Chief Engineer Civil Demonstrators and subsequently Head of Aerospace Research and Technology. He has also been Vice President Engineering for Rolls-Royce's Commercial Marine business, and held a number of other roles in the Marine and Energy sectors.
From 1998-2000 Ian was Professor of Engineering Design at Newcastle University, and he is now a Visiting Professor with the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering.