Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Mike Russell studied Materials Engineering at Newcastle University. On gaining his degree, Mike began working at TWI as part of a government-supported postgraduate studentship programme. In 1999, having completed his PhD, he joined the company’s friction and forge processes section as technical project leader, progressing to senior project leader and taking on extra responsibilities as a project manager for facilities development as the organisation expanded. Mike was promoted to section manager in 2004 and, alongside his work in friction, worked extensively in a supplementary role on TWI’s core research programme. In 2014, he became group manager in TWI’s joining technologies team, focusing on group business development and key client relationships.
Mike is a Chartered Engineer and recipient of The Welding Institute’s Lidstone Medal (for significant contributions to the advancement of welding technology). In 2014 he also led a team to win the Larke-Lillicrap award, achieving outstanding success in the practical application of friction stir welding technology. He has authored over 60 technical papers and publications in the field, including two patent filings.
Mike’s new role as Operations Director gives him responsibility for the overall effectiveness of project delivery at TWI, covering single client, joint industry, collaborative and core research projects. He manages operational strategy for all UK laboratories, The Test House facility, Site Services, Quality and Security.
Mike said: ‘I am very excited by the opportunities and challenges of this new position. TWI is a great place to work and is blessed with superb facilities and an excellent team of talented and enthusiastic professionals. It is a privilege for me to serve as a member of the executive team and to support the ongoing success of this world-class research business.’
For more information, please contact us.
_________________________________________________