Iain spent his industry career at the highest levels in aerospace with roles at BAE Systems and Airbus. He became Director of Engineering, then Managing Director at Airbus UK and was the first Chief Executive of Innovate UK following its establishment in 2007.

Iain joined Cranfield University in 2015 as Director of Aerospace, continuing the university’s strong heritage in applied research and teaching for the aviation sector, and leading strategic relationships with the world’s major aerospace industry organisations.

He holds a number of NED positions, was previously a Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and is currently a Chair of the Board of Trustees for Aerospace Bristol. He was awarded a CBE in 2014 for his services towards innovation and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Arts. He is also a member of the UK Jet Zero Council.

Arc Universities Group Director, Alistair Lomax, said:

“Sir Iain is one of the few people who have the ability to bring forward genuine and deeply collaborative projects.  Everyone involved in the sustainable aviation partnership that he chaired for the Arc Universities Group will have recognised this and we are all deeply proud to have worked alongside Sir Iain.”

Professor Gray said:

“I feel extremely honoured to be recognised in this way. I discovered my passion for aerospace and aviation at an early age through Concorde and it was after I completed my Engineering degree at Aberdeen University that I decided to pursue a career in aerospace. I feel enormously lucky to have had such a fulfilling career in this sector with the highlight being involved in the development of the Airbus A380. I have worked with some amazing people and thank all the talented and dedicated colleagues across industry, government and academia who have played such an important part in my career. In my current role at Cranfield it is a privilege to see the huge potential of the next generation coming through into the world of aviation and aerospace.

Read the report outlining OCAVIA’s commitment to creating a zero emissions aviation industry.

Read more about Sir Iain Gray’s knighthood here