All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Lean, Operational Excellence, and Digital Transformation
Independent Consultant

Alison is an experienced senior leader, consultant, and practitioner in Lean, Operational Excellence, and Digital Transformation. Her expertise lies in transforming businesses by aligning strategies and organizational goals to achieve significant results in bulk processing, manufacturing/filling operations, packaging, and supply chains. She has a particular focus on deploying enablers to engage cultures and improve systems, and processes. She has a proven track record in project program design, deployment, and delivery, enabling leaders to balance transformation and transactional workflows for effective problem-solving and structured improvement with a pragmatic, hands-on approach. Her specialized areas of expertise and experience are in FMCG beverage, nuclear industry, specialist automotive, public housing, life sciences, non profit and more recently, sterile vaccine project delivery and operational readiness to manufacture. Alison is widely recognized as a practitioner, an academic, and thought leader in UK manufacturing.

General Manager
BMW Mini

I have worked for over 35 years in automotive in a variety of roles including production operations, process planning, finance, manufacturing quality and business planning. These were mainly in UK plants, from greenfield to some of the oldest in our network and I also worked in Germany for 3 years. Using data and analytical tools to understand and improve our production systems have been key focus areas in recent years, still using the foundations of lean methodologies and process control.

Head of Manufacturing
Yunex Traffic

I’m a Mechanical Engineer and started out developing products and systems for tier 1 automotiive suppliers. I later moved into operations management while developing my Lean learning and qualifications. I have lived and worked in the UK, France and the USA, and had the good fortune to work across different businesses and industries around the world while working for Honeywell. I am an experienced leader of global, multi-site manufacturing, supply chain, supply base and R&D operations. I specialise in Lean transformation and enterprise-level business processes. I am proud to now be a part of the Yunex Traffic team.

Process Development Manager
LISI Aerospace

Currently serving as the Process Development Manager at LISI Aerospace Rugby, Taahir brings a decade of experience in the manufacturing sector. Over the past 4 years, Taahir has been heavily involved in the implementation a groundbreaking smart factory line and is now driving the expansion of this initiative throughout the site. As the 2023 winner of the 'Young Manufacturer of the Year' award, he is a keen supporter of people development, actively mentoring individuals to reach their full potential in the manufacturing industry.

Mechanical Planner + Greater London Region Young Member’s Panel Chair
BMW Group + Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Michael Sobodu holds a Master's degree in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, earned in 2021, and has since built a robust career in industrial engineering. With two years of experience in the glass manufacturing industry, Michael developed a keen understanding of precision and quality control in production processes. Currently, Michael serves as a Mechanical Planner in the automotive industry, where he applies his expertise to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure the seamless integration of mechanical systems. His diverse background and commitment to excellence make him a discerning and knowledgeable judge, capable of evaluating complex technical projects with a critical eye for detail and innovation.

Interested in Judging?

If you are interested in joining our Judging Panel for 2025, please complete the form below and the team will be in touch.