Annual Conference Speakers 2025
Join us in Birmingham for technical talks, networking, and learning!
28-29 April 2025
Be inspired by industry experts at our #2025AnnualConference! We have an exciting lineup of speakers in attendance covering a range of topics.
Geeta Morar – Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail, 4 Lines Modernisation (4LM) Project – Geeta Morar
Monday 28th April 11.15 – 12.45
Geeta Morar is the System Safety and Assurance Manager on Hitachi Rail’s Four Lines Modernisation (4LM) Project; a complex Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling project for the London Underground.
Geeta has worked for Hitachi Rail for over 19 years; starting her career in Toronto as a junior Safety Engineer after graduating from Queen’s University, Canada, where she had studied Electrical Engineering. Geeta progressed within the technical safety field from junior Engineer to her current role as System Safety and Assurance Manager, based in London, UK. Prior to her work on the 4LM Project, Geeta has also worked on major signalling upgrade projects on the London Underground’s Jubilee and Northern Lines.
Geeta is an active STEM Ambassador, and through her volunteering she seeks to inspire and to prove to young girls and women that they too can be engineers and succeed in STEM pathways.
Paula McMahon – WES Climate Emergency Group
Rethinking engineering ethics: Climate (an interactive workshop) – Paula McMahon
Monday 28th April 11.15 – 12.45
Paula McMahon, WES Trustee and Chair of the Climate Emergency Group, believes we need our workforce to represent our society so we can effectively face future challenges sustainably.
She has many wide ranging and influential roles in the industry and has received the Isabel Hardwick Medal which is WES’s highest recognition for her contributions.
Paula strongly believes in inspiring our next generation and educating everyone to work towards an equitable and sustainable future.
Alan King – Head of Global Membership Development, IMechE and founder of the AI community, AI-Your-Org
Harnessing the Power of AI – Alan King
Tuesday 9.30 – 10.30
Alan King, Head of Global Membership Development at the IMechE and founder of the AI community, AI-Your-Org, has been fascinated by artificial intelligence (AI) since his teenage years. As an early adopter of AI tools, he has used them to accelerate output and explore their boundaries.
After completing a Master’s degree in International Business, King dedicated his early career to working at Hewlett Packard on environmental test systems and then Strategic Alliance International, where he managed global campaigns for technology firms, all whilst deepening his knowledge in technology and AI systems. Building on this valuable experience, he later joined the IMechE and published “Harnessing the Potential of AI in Organisations”, which led to setting up the “AI-Your-Org” community.
Jo Parker, WES Climate Emergency Group
Addressing the Climate Emergency – WES CEG Panel Discussion –
Tuesday 15.30 – 16.30
Jo Parker is a chartered civil engineer and has worked in the water industry for 50 years and was the first ever woman engineer to work for Thames Water Authority. She has held a variety of roles with UK water companies including Head of Network Asset Management and Operations Director. She has also worked in other countries as varied as Afghanistan and Australia. She was awarded the MBE by the Queen in 1994 for services to the water industry.
She currently works as an independent consultant specialising in the management of water networks and is recognised internationally as an expert in the field. She is Vice-President Engineering of the Institute of Water, a Board Member of the Engineering Council and a fellow of the International Water Association as well as former chair of the Water and Sanitation Board of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Council Member of the UK Society of Trenchless Technology. She is an honorary member of the Institute of Water and was the first female National Chair of the organisation. She is also an honorary lifetime member of the Pipeline Industries Guild. In 2020 she was recognised by the Women’s Engineering Society as one of the top 50 women engineers working in sustainability and has been voted Trenchless Woman of 2024 by UKSTT.
When not working she can be found tending her herd of pedigree alpacas or leaping into freezing lakes as part of her triathlon training!
Vince Pizzoni, WES Climate Emergency Group
Addressing the Climate Emergency – WES CEG Panel Discussion –
Tuesday 15.30 – 16.30
As Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham, Vince has mentored and sponsored 1000s spanning the whole career lifecycle from school to university, executive and board level, and made it his mission in life to inspire future generations into STEM, Engineering, Tech, and Energy careers. His other pillars around which he has built his portfolio are education, the energy transition and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Vince has 40+ years of relevant, global business experience incorporating executive management and board positions in blue chip companies including ExxonMobil, Suez, V. Ships, Nalco, and P&G and with a boutique executive search firm, Preng & Associates, that specialises in executive and board recruitment for companies in the energy sector.
Today he manages a diverse portfolio that incorporates career mentoring and sponsorship to undergraduates, graduates and alumni at the University of Nottingham, energy sector career mentor to students and alumni at several prestigious UK business schools including London Business School, Imperial, Cambridge and Chicago Booth, and holds Trustee and Non-Executive positions on several boards.
He won the prestigious Chairman’s Award as global General Manager of the year at Suez for outstanding performance, and recently the Davidson Medal 2024 from the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) for global leadership in mentoring, the TechWomen100 2024 Award for Gender Balance and the Men as Allies 2024 Award from the Women’s Engineering Society.
Vince is a Trustee/Non-Executive Board member and Ambassador for various organisations including Male Allies UK, the Women in Engineering Society, Female Leaders in STEM Subjects, POWERful Women, MyBigCareer, a charity providing career guidance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the South Shropshire Multi-Academy Trust. Vince is also a member of the Progressiya initiative and mentors top businesswomen from Ukraine, and is also a mentor for the Cajigo group where he inspires women in tech.
He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of several organisations including the IChemE, Energy Institute, Women’s Engineering Society, and the Chartered Management Institute. He is a Group Partner of Circklo start-up and a member/volunteer of Graduate Mentor, UN Women UK, the Career Development Institute, the Society of Women Engineers, the Denim G100 Mission Million for gender equality and European Women on Boards.
Nancy Jonsson, WES Climate Emergency Group
Addressing the Climate Emergency – WES CEG Panel Discussion –
Tuesday 15.30 – 16.30
Nancy is currently a Technical Consultant to the Heat Pump Association (a trade body that represents the heat pump sector) and has over 25 years’ experience working for renewable heating product manufacturers. Leading various technical industry groups, she helps to shape product standards and policies that alleviate barriers to heat pump adoption. When considering how to decarbonise domestic heating, Nancy appreciates that homeowners have different requirements and believes that supporting people with practical approaches will better equip them in their decision making. Nancy is a Judge for the National Heat Pump Awards and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI).
Rebecca Wade, WES Climate Emergency Group
Addressing the Climate Emergency – WES CEG Panel Discussion –
Tuesday 15.30 – 16.30
Dr Rebecca Wade is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science at Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland. In her academic role she inspires the next generation of civil engineers to work collaboratively and sustainably to address climate change. In her research she brings stakeholders together to find multiple-benefit solutions. To do this she works across disciplines, including with civil engineers, social scientists, environmental managers, health professionals, artists and musicians, and with communities. Rebecca is an award-winning STEM Ambassador, she was named STEM Ambassador of the year in 2022 by The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and in 2024 was named as one of the ‘Top 50 Women in Engineering’ by the Women’s Engineering Society. Her teaching and research focus on sustainable water management (including river restoration, sustainable drainage, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions). In 2023 she participated in a life-changing voyage to Antarctica, part of the prestigious Homeward Bound International Women in STEMM leadership programme. Rebecca has been a member of the WES Climate Emergency Group since it’s inception in August 2020.
Laura Shrieves, Ultra Maritime
Leadership for Senior Career Engineers – Workshop – Laura Shrieves & Claire Johnson
Monday 16.00 – 17.50
Laura Shrieves is the Director of Engineering at Thales, leading the digitalization of the UK Transport sector as part of the Ground Transportation Systems (GTS) division. Hailing from a family with a strong engineering background, Laura was inspired by her father and uncle, who served as her early role models.
Her engineering journey began with a BSc in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, followed by an MSc in Human-Centered Computer Systems. Laura embarked on her professional career as a software engineer but later transitioned to systems engineering, a passion that would define her career. Alongside various technical roles within systems engineering, Laura discovered her second passion: nurturing and developing others.
By 2013, Laura had become an industrial supervisor to engineering students at the University of Bristol. In 2014, she further solidified her reputation as a leader in systems engineering by chairing an INCOSE Working Group. Laura’s passion to give back continued in 2015 as she served as the deputy chair of the INCOSE advisory board, solidifying her commitment to the global systems engineering community. In 2022, Laura was recognized for her outstanding contributions, achieving Fellow with both the IET and WES. Laura now serves as a Fellowship assessor at the IET, helping identify and honour rising stars in the field.
Laura ascended through roles of Head of Engineering and now into Engineering Director using all she has learnt to inspire and support all around her. She also serves as the Exec sponsor of the Women and Allies Network within Thales and is part of the RAEng’s Inclusive Leadership Programme proving that her passion for continuous learning and supporting others always burns brightly.
Claire Johnson, Thales
Leadership for Senior Career Engineers – Workshop – Laura Shrieves & Claire Johnson
Monday 16.00 – 17.50
Claire is VP Engineering at Thales UK. Her experience is predominantly in Aerospace (both Civil and Military), with experience in the design, development, qualification and certification of Fuel, Hydraulic and Air to Air Refuelling Aircraft Systems. She has spent the last 10 years in Engineering Management and Leadership, leading global and multi-disciplined teams across UK, India and USA. Throughout her career she has been passionate about growing the number of Women in Engineering, with a particular push for women to be seen in senior Technical Specialisms and Signatory positions. She actively mentors engineers at all levels across multiple countries, and is currently leading the development of a Thales UK “Women in Engineering” strategy.
Anouska Carling – STEM Returners
Stem Returners
Tuesday 29th 12.00 – 12.30
Anouska is an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager with STEM Returners. She has more than 20 years experience in Engineering recruitment. She works with organisations to help them embed and scale alternative methods that enable them to hire more inclusively, focusing on routes dedicated to career break returners and transferrers. She is a level 6 Chartered Manager in Leading Inclusion and Diversity and Managing Organisational Culture.
Kerry Evans – Eco Approach
Together we engineer in construction
Tuesday 29th 11.00 – 12.00
Kerry is a Chartered Engineer and winner of the Karen Burt Memorial Award in 2024. She is a Fellow of WES and the IHE, and CIHT. Kerry served as the Regional Representative to Council for the CIHT Cymru Wales region from 2018 to 2024. Kerry is the Chair of the Trustee’s of the Menai Bridge’s Museum which celebrates the industrial heritage and engineering principles of the two Menai Bridges.
Claire & Sarah – AWE
Illuminating the shadows – AWE
Monday 10.00 – 10.15
Claire joined the AWE, on the Graduate Training Scheme, with a degree in mechanical engineering. Since then, she has had a varied and exciting engineering career at AWE. From working with the US on novel tests and trials in Nevada and Los Alamos, to becoming the first female Distinguished Specialist within the business, to being the Design Authority for AWE’s support for the UK’s Nuclear Threat Reduction mission. Claire’s career has gone from strength to strength. She now leads a team of engineers who design, test and manufacture the UK’s Replacement Warhead as part of the UK Government’s commitment to the Continuous At Sea Deterrence mission. Claire has continued to develop professionally throughout her career, completing a Master’s Degree that was sponsored by AWE. She is now passionate about coaching and mentoring others.
Sarah is an aerospace engineer and joined AWE on the graduate scheme. Sarah has worked on a range of niche and exciting projects at AWE and is part of the growing WES presence.
Prior to joining the company Sarah was fortunate to be part of the Space Education Scheme which consisted of working on the Orion space shuttle. Sarah has had a varied career and is looking forward to applying her skills to exciting new projects at AWE.
Kristine Hammond – Amazon
Kris Hammond is a Chemical Engineer with an MBA from Warwick University, currently serving as the Amazon UK Senior Project Manager for Field Engineering. Her impressive career began at Unilever, where she progressed to become Director of Global Deodorants R&D Processing and Analytics. Following her time at Unilever, she gained international experience in the USA as a Senior Engineer with Alliance Engineering, before joining Amazon UK in 2019 where she has successfully led multiple fulfilment centres through periods of growth and transformation. Her expertise spans manufacturing excellence, supply chain management, and operational leadership, complemented by her role as UK President of the Families in Operations affinity group at Amazon. A recognized leader in engineering and operations, Kris demonstrates the impact women can have in senior technical and operational roles, managing complex facilities, driving innovation and championing work-life harmony.
Dr.Chineye Princess Udeze – Leonardo
Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze is a highly accomplished professional with a strong foundation in medical engineering, a field in which they have made significant contributions both academically and professionally. In 2012, Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze graduated with First Class Honors in Medical Engineering (MEng) from Queen Mary University of London, a testament to her dedication and academic excellence. Her outstanding performance was further recognized when she received the prestigious award for Best Medical Engineer from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze completed a PhD in 2017, focusing on “The Effects of Loading Frequency on Tenocyte Metabolism,” a research area that contributes to the understanding of cellular responses in tendons under various mechanical conditions. This work has implications for the development of treatments and interventions in orthopaedic medicine and also led to five publications in respected scientific journals, further solidifying Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze’s expertise in the medical engineering domain.
Transitioning from academia to industry, Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze embarked on a career in the medical sector, where she quickly demonstrated her capabilities. She started as a Medical Sales Representative and, within less than a year, earned a promotion to Key Account and Territory Sales Manager. In this role, Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze was instrumental in the design and development of the DoubleFlo arthroscopic pump, a key product designed by Hemodia for Smith & Nephew. Her leadership and innovative contributions in this role significantly impacted the product’s success in the market.
After five years in the medical sector, Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze transitioned to the defense industry, where she has continued to excel. She joined the sector as a Systems Engineer and, through her outstanding performance, was nominated as a finalist at the WISE award 2025 – STEM Returner category. Over the past two and half years, Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze has continued to rise within the defense industry, demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt her engineering expertise to complex and demanding environments.
Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze is also a Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) champion, actively supporting her team and collaborating across multiple lines of business to drive digital engineering transformation. She holds level 2 of 4 OMG certified system modelling professional (OCSMP) certification, demonstrating her expertise in system modelling and architecture development.
Dr. Chineye Princess Udeze’s career trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of excellence, innovation, and leadership across multiple engineering disciplines, making her a respected figure in both the medical and defense sectors.
Freya W – Leonardo
Freya’s first profession was in the arts industry before making a bold transition into aerospace through a mechanical technician apprenticeship at Leonardo Helicopters. Since beginning her apprenticeship she has developed hands-on expertise in mechanical systems, while contributing to key projects that support cutting-edge aviation technology.
Alongside her technical work, Freya is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in engineering and the aerospace industry. She has served as Chair of AeroWomen since 2023, working closely with leadership to drive meaningful change and support an inclusive culture within the aerospace industry. As the Young Persons Representative for the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Yeovil branch, she plays an active role in engaging and inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.
In 2024, her dedication and impact were recognised with the WEAF Unsung Hero Award—celebrating her behind-the-scenes leadership and commitment to others.
Isobel Rann – Royal Academy of Engineering
Isobel is currently a Programme Manager in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) team. Isobel leads the Industry Engagement programme, an initiative focused on fostering engineering industry-wide alignment on inclusive practices and creating measurable improvements in equity and its outcomes. As part of this work, Isobel leads on projects such as the Academy’s Annual D&I Conference, International Women in Engineering Day Leadership Lunch and Black History Month Leadership Lunch events. She also works with wider Academy teams to ensure D&I best practice is rolled out and implemented organisation wide.
Isobel holds an MA in Gender Studies from the University of Sussex and has completed multiple qualifications in DEI, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace. She is also a qualified fitness instructor and passionate about wellbeing, intersectionality, and inclusive leadership.
WENA X WES Panel
Join thought leaders Kruthika A. Bala (Women’s Energy Network Alliance), Kerry Anne Shanks (AFRY), Rebecca Allison (Net Zero Technology Centre), Susana Neves e Brooks (National Grid), Helen Robinson (International Geothermal Association), and Stephen Barrett (Energy & Utility Skills) for a compelling discussion on “THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN THE UK: BUILDING A RESILIENT, INCLUSIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEM.
Chaired by: Kruthika A. Bala, Vice-Chair of the Women’s Energy Network Alliance
Kruthika brings over twenty years of experience driving growth and impact through leadership in strategy, business performance, and operational excellence across the global energy ecosystem, including industrial, energy, climate, natural resources, and mining. With deep expertise in international consulting and advisory, she has led strategic initiatives in complex organisations, addressing business challenges and building resilient partnerships. Kruthika’s strategic insight into the interconnections between energy markets, policy, technology, and sustainability empowers clients to make decisions that align with both commercial and sustainability goals, including decarbonisation. Her systems thinking approach connects energy transitions, geopolitical shifts, and resource security, helping shape long-term strategies. Through her work, Kruthika facilitates big-picture thinking on energy systems, enabling organisations to drive meaningful, deliberate change in an era of transformation. As Managing Director of Resources Now, an Energy & Natural Resources Insights & Collaboration Hub, Kruthika leads efforts to advance knowledge and collaboration in the sector. In addition to her advisory board roles, she serves as Head of Energy Transition and Critical Minerals, Lean In Equity & Sustainability
Kerry Anne Shanks, Policy Regulation and Market Design, AFRY
Kerry Anne joined AFRY Management Consulting in 2022 in its innovation team. She has over 20 years of experience in energy markets, regulation and negotiation of contracts. She has supported buyers and sellers in procurement, portfolio optimization and strategy. Previously she has worked for Shell, Wood Mackenzie and Poten and Partners. Since working at AFRY, Kerry Anne has been leading work on actions needed to support the net-zero energy transition in the UK and wider global markets. She helped the British transmission system operator NESO on two of their innovation projects, considering how to create an electricity system that can manage the challenges associated with removing fossil fuels in favour of low-carbon solutions. She has worked with clients on energy storage and flexibility, carbon capture and contracting.
Rebecca Allison, Chief Operating Officer, Net Zero Technology Centre
Rebecca Allison is an established and committed leader in the energy sector, spearheading efforts to accelerate the transition to net zero. As Chief Operations Officer at the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), she leads the delivery of critical technology programmes and services that will drive industry’s evolution towards a more sustainable future. With over two decades of experience, Rebecca has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This includes identifying and appraising existing technology readiness, and championing the latest advancements in innovations that are reducing emissions from existing facilities and unlocking the full potential of an integrated energy system.
As a highly driven and motivated leader, Rebecca is known for her strategic planning and communication skills, which she uses to manage even the most complex projects.
Susana Neves e Brooks, Head of Connections Strategy & Reform, National Grid
Susana Neves e Brooks is a Senior Leader in the Energy Industry, currently serving as Head of Connections Strategy and Reform at National Grid Electricity Distribution. With extensive experience in policy development, electricity construction, customer engagement, and strategic planning, she has driven significant reforms and initiatives across the UK’s energy sector, including Connections Reform and the 5 Point Plan. Her extensive experience of both Distribution and Transmission
networks, her leadership in roles at National Grid ESO and Scottish and Southern Networks has been instrumental in addressing industry challenges, fostering team growth, and enhancing customer service. Recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering, she exemplifies excellence and innovation in her field.
Helen Robinson, Global R&D Manager, International Geothermal Association
Helen serves as the Regional Manager for Africa and the Global R&D Manager at the International Geothermal Association (IGA). With nearly 12 years of experience in the geothermal sector, she has focused extensively on geothermal projects across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa. A qualified Hydrogeologist, Helen also leads Aquarius Resources as its Director, where she works on geothermal initiatives alongside groundwater projects related to mining, environmental hazards, and the humanitarian water sector. Additionally, she recently joined the UNDP as a freelance consultant with the Crisis Bureau and Global Policy Network.
Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, Energy & Utility Skills
Stephen is accountable for the efficient delivery of strategic stakeholder engagement and membership services at Energy & Utility Skills. He leads initiatives related to standards setting, skills policy, research, and project activities, with a primary focus on ensuring the provision of a safe, skilled, and sustainable workforce across the power, gas, water, and waste and recycling sectors. Stephen oversees the work programme for the Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership, the National Skills Academy for Power, and the National Skills Academy for Gas and Water Strategy, which includes areas such as EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), sector attraction, workforce resilience, skills, and competencies. He has successfully led organisational design, competency management, and strategic change programmes. Stephen holds an MBA and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.