From Technical Challenges to Global Standards: Rob’s Story
Rob has been fascinated by the "technical" world since an early age and has striven to understand how and why things work the way they do (or why they don't). He loves taking complex technical issues and explaining them in an accessible way to mixed audiences, but he doesn't like writing about himself.
Inside Rob's Professional World
As an experienced, multidisciplinary electrotechnical engineer with some demonstrable, empathetic, people management skills which were developed in an international environment, he has been fortunate enough to work in multiple countries for 3 different international companies.
He's considered highly communicative, both verbally and in writing and he generally has good presentation skills in front of audiences from 2 to 500 people. There is a history of achievement in the development of both mechanical and electrical connectors, terminations and other connectivity products from R&D and Product Management perspectives.
His industrial experience is allied with long service in standardization as a CENELEC secretary, a member of multiple committees, a committee chair and a document editor and he regard involvement in standardization as an essential part of "giving back".
Rob through a few questions…
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
"I'm a qualified skipper/navigator for both coastal and inland boating and a good cook."
What makes you get up in the morning?
"I'm driven by a need to understand things so curiosity gets me out of bed."
What is your greatest personal and professional achievement?
"Personally, I'm proud of my 3 kids who are contributing to the world as fully functional adults with children of their own. Professionally, I'm proud of the young engineers I've trained, coached or mentored and my status as a Fellow of the IET."
What is the best book you have read recently?
"In fiction I'm currently enjoying the "Thursday Murder Club" series of books by Richard Osman. In terms of non-fiction "The Man who Invented the Twentieth Century" by Robert Lomas."
What animal would you consider your spirit animal?
"A dog - unconditionally loyal to those who deserve loyalty."
What is your favorite food?
"Anything with a "kick" Tex-Mex, Thai but especially Indian food - I'm capable of making a good Lamb Jalfrezi and Chana Masala."
What is your biggest frustration?
"After 3 rounds of back surgery I'm not as flexible and mobile as I would like."
What do you do in your free time?
"Walking, cycling, boating & currently moving apartments, so assembling a lot of furniture."
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
"An Officer in the Royal Engineers."
What inspires you?
"The Victorian "Hero" engineers who simply did things that had never been done before."
We are pleased to welcome Rob to the BEC.