Andy Palmer

Dr. Andy Palmer, a British businessman and automotive executive, has held significant roles within the automotive industry, steering the direction of multiple major companies. Palmer's career began as a project engineer, eventually becoming the manual transmission chief engineer of Rover Group. He joined Nissan in 1991, where his positions included Deputy Managing Director and Chief Planning Officer. Notably, Palmer led the development of the Nissan LEAF electric car, earning the moniker "Godfather of EVs." From 2014 to 2020, Palmer was CEO of Aston Martin, where he introduced new equity, expansion plans, and cost reduction strategies. He oversaw the launch of several core car models, including the DBX, Aston Martin's first SUV.

Palmer's involvement in the automotive industry extends beyond traditional vehicles. He served as CEO and Executive Vice-chairman of Switch, an electric bus and van company, until 2022 and currently holds the position of CEO at PodPoint, the UK's leading provider of electric vehicle charging, and Palmer Automotive Ltd. Furthermore, he is the Chairman of several companies, including InoBat, Hilo Ltd, IONETIC, and Brill Power. His work in these roles demonstrates a commitment to the future of transportation, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles. On top of his industry roles, Palmer has also been an ambassador for the GREAT Britain campaign, advising the UK government on export matters.

Palmer's academic credentials are robust, including a master's degree in Product Engineering, a doctorate in Engineering Management, and honorary doctorates from Coventry and Cranfield Universities. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Palmer's knowledge and experience are frequently tapped into by Coventry University, where he is a professor. His contributions to the automotive industry have been recognized multiple times, including being named "one of the most respected people in the [auto] business" by BBC's Question Time and his induction into the Motoring Hall of Fame in 2023.