Institution chief executive presented with honorary doctorate

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Chief Executive, Stephen Tetlow MBE, was granted an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from Plymouth University on 23 September in recognition of his exceptional career achievements and work to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Stephen Tetlow MBE, said: “This is a great honour and I feel particularly happy to be recognised by a University so close to my home in Devon.

“Engineering is not just a career but my passion. This honour is yet further incentive to continue my work to make sure engineers’ voices are heard in Government, industry and the media, as well as to encourage the next generation of UK engineers.”

Professor David Coslett, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University, said: “Stephen Tetlow MBE is an inspiration to young people looking to develop careers in science and engineering, with his exceptional career achievements and highly respected position as a pivotal and influential leader in the industry making him a role model for many.

“Stephen acts as a staunch advocate for the further encouragement of efforts nationwide to grow the skill base in the engineering industry to ensure more young people are encouraged into the sector, and better realise the exciting and challenging professional opportunities it offers.

“Plymouth University is delighted to recognise Stephen and add further recognition of his outstanding achievements with the award of this honorary degree.”

Stephen is the Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution, and holds an MSc and an MBA. He also spends much of his time campaigning for engineering and working to inspire more young people about science, including visiting students at Plymouth University to view and discuss their work, talk about engineering, and encourage and galvanize the next generation.

Stephen began his career as an engineering apprentice with Smiths Industries Ltd, working as a design engineer on products for cars and aerospace. After studying for an engineering degree at City University London, Stephen spent 25 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, running engineering support operations around the world on vehicle fleets, communications, aircraft and weapon systems. He also ran an international defence team of engineers and scientists to lead NATO’s strategy for scientific research.

After a spell as Director of Operations at the Defence Logistic Organisation, Stephen rose to become Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering for the British Army.

On leaving the defence sector, Stephen took a new appointment in the UK Transport Industry and became Chief Executive of the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), responsible for the licensing and testing of commercial vehicles in Great Britain, as well as running the national MoT scheme. He won many national awards for business-to-business services, as well as a National Government Award for Operational Delivery.

Stephen is a Non-Executive Director of Engineering UK, and of the National Skills Academy for Rail Engineering, in addition to his role as CEO of the Institution, and lives in Devon on a county wildlife site.

He has even found time to lead an expedition to South Georgia recently, crossing the Southern ocean to retrace Shackleton’s famous Antarctic rescue to help highlight the impacts of climate change.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 111,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries.