The Prodrive Group, a British engineering and motorsport specialist based in Banbury, has appointed James Reeves as the new CEO of Prodrive Advanced Technology UK, which focuses on developing and manufacturing high-performance components and systems for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and defence.
He joins the company with a wealth of experience in high-tech engineering and manufacturing, having spent over two decades leading innovative enterprises across multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and advanced materials. Mr Reeves is a chartered engineer and has held several senior executive roles including global director at voxeljet, a NASDAQ-listed 3-D printing company, where he developed new global divisions and achieved significant business growth.
Previously, as CEO of Litecool, he directed the development of breakthrough LED lighting technologies, securing investor returns of five-times the initial investment. His advisory experience also spans multiple industries, from automotive technology investment to energy storage solutions, and includes strategic development roles at the Government’s Automotive Investment Organisation, where he was pivotal in securing £550 million in inward investment.
A passionate advocate for technology-driven growth, Mr Reeves has consistently leveraged core competencies and emerging opportunities to deliver robust market share and sustainable business expansion. His achievements include leading transformational strategies for manufacturing companies, scaling new international divisions, and developing commercially viable innovations for advanced engineering and manufacturing markets.
Dr Iain Roche, the former CEO of Prodrive Advanced Technology UK, will now focus on his role as co-CEO of ELM Mobility – a collaboration launched in September 2024 between Prodrive and Astheimer Design with a vision to be the leader in zero-emission last-mile transport, delivering game-changing efficiency with small, lightweight vehicles.
David Richards, chairman of Prodrive, said: “James brings to Prodrive unrivalled experience in the automotive, aerospace, and advanced materials sectors to progress our strategy and continue recent momentum throughout our Advanced Technology business. After over two years in the role of CEO of Prodrive Advanced Technology I’m pleased that Iain Roche is staying within the Group to lead the new ELM Mobility project, maintaining Prodrive’s position at the forefront of sustainable transportation development.”
Mr Reeves concluded: “I am both honoured and excited to be joining Prodrive Advanced Technology as we continue to push the boundaries of transport engineering and collaborate with leading vehicle manufacturers worldwide.”