Technology team

Andrew Mair

Chief Executive

Andrew has led the work of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance – which represents over 300 companies in one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters – for 20 years. He is dedicated to supporting and promoting the work of the aerospace supply chain and demonstrating why the Midlands is such a great region for developing innovative solutions to global aerospace challenges.

Andrew is passionate about bringing together industry, academia and government to ensure the region maintains its competitive advantages into the future.

Chris Weir

Chief Technology Officer 

Chris has over 30 years’ senior engineering experience covering the full lifecycle of aerospace, defence and space equipment systems for companies including Rolls-Royce and Goodrich (now part of Collins Aerospace). He has been supporting the MAA with technology strategy development and delivery since 2021, most recently leading the Decarbonising the Midlands Aerospace Cluster (DMAC) project which is planning how supply chain companies can achieve net zero by 2050.

Read about Chris’ three strategic priorities here.

Clive Lewis

Technology Manager 

With an aerospace career spanning over 40 years in electronic engineering, project management, marketing, market insight, strategy and consultancy, Clive Lewis brings his experience in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility and Drone markets. Clive supports senior decision-makers in aerospace, aviation, defence and security to develop, fund and deliver technology, capability and business aspirations. 

He is driven by a passion to support innovation to keep the UK at the forefront of the opportunity that future flight represents.

Liz Griffiths

Technology Manager 

Liz has over 25 years’ experience in the aerospace sector, working in engineering, project management and leadership roles across gas turbine and flight simulator programmes. Her career has spanned many engineering disciplines with a focus on systems integration, verification and validation. 

Liz is passionate about helping smaller businesses to grow by developing innovative products, tools and processes. She is particularly interested in supporting companies with diversifying into aerospace or space from adjacent transport sectors, and realising the benefits of cross-sector collaboration. Liz recently led on ‘Pivot into Space’ and is currently leading the ‘Space Ecosytem Commercialisation Programme’ as well as supporting on Midlands Space Cluster activities.

Nicola Deards

Technology Manager   

Nicola’s career has spanned both the aerospace and automotive industries over 30 years with roles encompassing new product introduction, quality management, in-service management, aftermarket and planning with both mechanical and electrical products.   

Nicola has recently led on ASSIST and the Supply Chain Transition Programme and has mentored companies through their funding applications and project completions as part of Aerospace UP and Pivot into Space. Currently she is supporting the Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme and is leading the MAA elements of the Midlands Space Cluster.

Tim Holmes

Technology Manager 

Tim has over 30 years’ experience in a broad range of engineering environments in large and small companies, working all the way from the shop floor to senior management. He has a wealth of knowledge, especially around strategic planning, quality management and continuous improvement. He prides himself in helping companies get results and many have gone on to achieve national awards. 

Tim believes embracing change is critical to future competitiveness. He is looking forward to enabling more aerospace companies adapt and develop to achieve long-term success.