Renishaw, a world-leading supplier of measuring and manufacturing systems, has appointed a new non-executive director. Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng joined the Board of Directors of the FTSE 250 company at the start of September 2023, bringing over 43 years of expertise in the engineering sector.

Professor Holford, chief executive and vice-chancellor at Cranfield University will also join Renishaw's Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. As well as her extensive engineering, technical management and governance experience, Professor Holford has previously helped to address a lack of diversity in organisations by challenging perceptions and working with underrepresented groups.

Professor Holford began her engineering career at Rolls Royce as an undergraduate apprentice, graduating from Cardiff University with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. She returned to academia and gained a PhD in Materials Science/Acoustic Emission. Working at AB Electronic Products as a senior engineer gave Holford hands-on experience in various engineering applications while leading a large mechanical design team.

Professor Holford then returned to academia, specialising in industry-led teaching, research and development, and progressing to professor of Mechanical Engineering. She served in leadership roles such as head of school of engineering, and pro vice-chancellor of Physical Sciences and Engineering, and spent 5 years as deputy vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, before taking up her current position at Cranfield University.

Holford is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was named as one of the 50 most influential women engineers in 2016. In 2017 she received a CBE for engineering services and women's advancement in engineering.

Sir David McMurtry, executive chairman at Renishaw said: "We are delighted to welcome Karen to the Board," said. "She has a wealth of engineering and R&D experience, bringing vital skills to the business."