WMG Chairman Professor Lord Bhattacharyya is proud to announce two new Professors at WMG.

Professor Dr Ralf Speth, CEO Jaguar Land Rover, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor, having previously been an Industrial Professor. Professor Dr Speth is already a graduate of the University of Warwick with an Engineering Doctorate from the University for his engineering research and study at WMG.

Dr Gero Kempf, Chief Engineer – Head of Body Strategy, Architecture, Advanced Product Creation at Jaguar Land Rover, has been appointed as an Industrial Professor. He is a graduate from Technical University Munich (TUM) and holds both an Engineering Doctorate in Computer Science, from the faculty of electrical engineering, and a Dipl. Phys. in Technical Physics including electrical and mechanical engineering.

Jaguar Land Rover is committed to improving the skills of its employees with currently around 2,800 Jaguar Land Rover staff studying postgraduate and higher apprentice degrees at WMG, University of Warwick.

This time last year Jaguar Land Rover launched its Lifelong Learning Academy with WMG at the University of as partner, the first of its kind in the UK automotive sector. The new Academy currently offers all Jaguar Land Rover employees the opportunity to take part in continuous development programmes to enhance their careers and provide the skills the company needs.

Professor Dr Ralf Speth said: “I am very honoured to receive this recognition from WMG. Our teams are collaborating on advanced research projects which will help to create a sustainable UK automotive industry. Our strong ties with WMG support our commitment to develop skills across the sector by strengthening the links between academia and industry. ”

Dr Gero Kempf said: “I feel very honoured by this appointment. WMG and Jaguar Land Rover share an outstanding vision to renew and sustain the automotive industry in UK. The unprecedented pace of technology advancements are now creating an opportunity to stay ahead. Electrified powertrains, assisted and autonomous driving as well as connectivity to artificial intelligence services will change our future products significantly.”

Along with the Academy, the focus on skills is very much at the heart of the National Automotive Innovation Centre, the largest research centre of its kind in Europe which will enhance the UK's capacity and capability in key areas of automotive research. Together with Jaguar Land Rover, WMG will address the shortage of skilled R&D staff across the automotive supply chain, developing the talent required for the demands of emerging technologies and engaging future generations of engineers.

Chairman of WMG, Professor Lord Bhattacharyya adds: “We have had a symbiotic relationship with Jaguar Land Rover for a significant time. Many of their staff study and research at WMG and I am delighted that Professor Dr Ralf Speth and Dr Gero Kempf have now also accepted these Professorial roles with WMG.”