Sir David Brown FREng BSc DMS CEng HonFIET

Sir David Brown began his career in telecommunications and electronics after graduating in electrical engineering in 1972.  His first employer was the Plessey Company, where he worked on defence projects.

In 1976, he moved to STC's research centre at Harlow to work in the field of advanced data switching.  He remained with the company for some 15 years, during which time it acquired ICL and was acquired by Northern Telecom.  His career with STC, ICL and Northern Telecom included senior positions in software engineering, marketing and general management.

He joined Motorola in 1991 as Director of UK Operations in its cellular infrastructure business.  He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Motorola Limited in 1994 and was Chairman from 1997 to 2008.

He is Deputy Chairman of DRS Data & Research Services plc, senior independent director of Ceres Power Holdings plc and a non-executive director of Domino Printing Sciences plc. His previous non-executive directorships have included P&O and the University for Industry.

Sir David is a Fellow and member of the Council of the Royal Academy of Engineering; a Chartered Engineer and Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology; a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute; and an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Quality Institute.  He was President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, President of the Chartered Quality Institute and President of the Federation of the Electronics Industry.

Interests and honours

His interests include the promotion of links between engineering and education.  He was twice an IEE Faraday Lecturer and was President of the Association for Science Education, the professional body for Britain's science teachers. He is a member of the Council of Cranfield University

He was Chairman of the University for Industry Design and Implementation Advisory Group.  He served for six years as a member of the Industrial Development Advisory Board, and was Vice‑Chairman of the Board of UK Trade and Investment.  He was Chairman of the Advisory Board for the National Health Service Institute for Learning, Skills and Innovation, and is Chairman of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board.

He holds Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of Bath, Kingston, Portsmouth and Surrey, is a Visiting Fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford University, and was awarded the 2005 Mountbatten Medal for his leadership contributions to electronics.

He was knighted in 2001 for services to British Industry.