The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has announced the appointment of Chris Appleby as innovation manager.
Chris, a former systems integration project manager at Avid Technology, has focused on electrification within the automotive sector for the past eight years, during which he has developed and delivered a complex portfolio of multi-million-pound contracts, including system integration and prototype vehicle hybridisation.
Further strengthening its team, the NEAA, an industry-led cluster group, established to support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the automotive sector in the North East of England, has also announced the appointment of Julia Bell as business administrator, who has over 30 years of administration experience.
Chris Appleby, said: “The North East Automotive Alliance has really put the sector and the region on the map since it was established five years ago and I am looking forward to working with the team to utilise my experience to the benefit of the organisation and its members.
“I will be responsible for the overall governance and delivery of the innovation workstream and determining innovative solutions supporting strategy implementation within the NEAA. It is an exciting challenge and, as the pandemic restrictions ease, it will provide me with an opportunity to meet the members.”
Paul Butler, CEO, North East Automotive Alliance, said: “We warmly welcome Chris and Julia who bring real value and experience to our team.
“The automotive sector has welcomed a number of big announcements from Nissan, Turntide Transport and Britishvolt in recent months and we have a busy summer ahead of us.
“Chris will be working on a number of high profile projects including the 5G Connected Automated Logistics (CAL) project, as the region continues to lead in the development of zero emission automated logistics.
“Both Chris and Julia will also have the opportunity to meet members face to face at our flagship Expo in September at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland. This will provide them with the opportunity to see the automotive sector at its best, under one roof with a vast range of members exhibiting and in attendance.”