AMRC appoints chief executive

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre has appointed Professor Ben Morgan as chief executive following a year serving in the interim role.

A mechanical engineer by background, Professor Morgan joined the AMRC in 2009 as a project engineer and has since held a series of senior leadership roles, including at its flagship Factory 2050 and most recently as research director. 

He has led major research and innovation programmes in aerospace and defence, alongside automation and digital projects across the manufacturing supply chain.

Having served as interim chief executive since January 2025, he now takes on the role permanently, continuing the AMRC’s work to connect research with industry, support economic growth and create high-value jobs across the region and UK.

Professor Morgan said: “It’s been a huge privilege to be part of the AMRC’s transformational journey for the last 17 of its 25 years, and I’m honoured to be able to lead it into the next 25 years.

“My time as interim chief executive has been incredibly rewarding, from welcoming and working with the government's industrial strategy, to delivering projects that strengthen the UK’s capabilities in aerospace, defence and nuclear energy.

“The UK manufacturing industry is in a time of generational opportunity.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be leading a team of individuals who will play a critical role, innovating with the manufacturing sector to take advantage of that opportunity.

“It’s now up to us to lead that charge for change.”

The AMRC, part of the University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, marks 25 years of supporting manufacturers to innovate and scale.

Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, added: “Ben has played an important role in the AMRC and its achievements throughout much of its 25-year history. 

“I am very pleased to confirm his appointment as permanent chief executive to further build on the AMRC’s many successes.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Ben, collaborating with our many partners to turn world-leading research and innovation into tangible impact across the region, the UK and beyond.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →