Affiliated Partners

Jim Sibson | Group Head of Research and Partnerships

The broad range of challenges we face in implementing clean mobility solutions requires an innovative and collaborative approach. CFCM has demonstrated this approach since its inception and has built an impressive portfolio of working solutions demonstrating its capability in the field, not just the laboratory.

Jim Sibson is a Chartered Engineer and a Chartered Project Professional with Babcock International Group, responsible for developing research and business collaborations to grow technology solutions.

Jim’s career started in manufacturing systems engineering with Lucas Industries. He moved to Hamilton Sundstrand, Claverham where after a number of roles he became Programme Manager for the projects to design, validate and manufacture a suite of innovative valves and actuators for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. He joined Babcock as Project Leader for the equipment it supplied to the Spanish S-80 Submarine Programme; was then appointed Head of Product Support before being seconded to a central Marine Sector team to lead the development of capability, helping shape and implement the Group Technology Strategy.

Jim is a Fellow of the Association for Project Management, a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and Honorary Associate Professor in Engineering at Exeter University.

Jake Rigby | Global Head of Innovation & Research BMT

Jake Rigby is the Global Head of Innovation and Research at BMT, responsible for the portfolio management of internal research projects, academic engagement and horizon scanning. He is a chartered engineer and Member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects originally training as a Naval Architect specialising in ship signatures before his current research focused role. Jake is passionate about clean maritime research and the search for feasible, viable and desirable solutions for alternative power trains; It is this passion that brought him to working so closely with the CFCM and their groundbreaking research and facilities.

Eugene Bari | CEO Ecomar Propulsion

During his 35 + years entrepreneurial career, Eugene has worked primarily in the maritime and construction industries.

Eugene has founded a number of companies in the UK, Australia, Denmark and the USA. His current position as Founder and CEO of Ecomar Propulsion includes authorship of a number of new patents and regular engagement with cutting edge innovations and decarbonisation technologies.

His work with University of Exeter, CFCM, includes guiding post-graduates and research assistants through industrial research led projects. Eugene works closely with wider industry in developing discoveries that combine innovations in decarbonisation technology with industrial and commercial applications. His specialisation is in delivery of high power, zero emission powertrains and energy storage, including hydrogen. He holds a degree from the University of Leeds and is a Post Graduate of City University Business School (Bayes Business School).

Eugene is also working on a series of primary research projects around sustainable production of rare earth minerals and their application in terraforming extreme environments.

Steve Austen | Chief Engineer SC Group

As Engineering Director and Chief Engineer for SC Group/Supacat, Steve provides governance, leadership and direction for the development, introduction into service and through life support of specialist vehicles and associated equipment across a number of industry sectors, including those where the operating environment requires a high degree of mobility, safety integrity and control innovation.

Steve has 35 years’ experience in R&D, design, supply and support across the composites, defence and marine sectors. He has a passion for making things work for the operator and maintainer in the most challenging environments.

Prior to joining the company, Steve was Head of Engineering at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, responsible for the design and through life support of boats, plant and equipment, including the new Shannon Class all weather lifeboat and associated launching system. Steve has also worked for the Ministry of Defence in a number of new build and naval support project teams.

Steve has led joint Industry/University Advanced Technology Partnerships at Bournemouth and Southampton Universities and has recently been the Industry Chair for 2 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with the University of Exeter judged as Outstanding by Innovate UK. He was also the Institution of Mechanical Engineers ‘Engineer of the Year’ in 2015 and is a Chartered Engineer, Naval Architect and Fellow of the IMechE. He is also an Honorary Associate Professor in Engineering at Exeter University.