Super Seven #21 Martyn Rees
In the 21st of our Super Seven Questions Series we profile our Head of Technology & Engineering, Martyn Rees. Martyn joined us at Christmas bringing with him a wealth of experience in building engineering teams and commercialising complex technologies. He’s quickly established himself at the heart of KETS and we’re delighted to have him on board.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m someone who was always destined to work in engineering. As a child I was always dismantling everything and anything to understand how it worked. Usually, although not always, putting it back together intact again!
School (in Devon) and University (in Bournemouth) was always about engineering for me, choosing those subjects that were technically orientated where I could learn the tools to apply my creativity.
Post University I’ve enjoyed working in a variety of technical sectors from semiconductor design, to consumer electronics to enterprise IT. Absorbing as much as I could along the way.
After many years of hands-on design I now work exclusively in engineering leadership working with some of the best minds and engineers in the industry. So much fun.
2. What do you do in KETS?
A servant leader to the business, helping the R&D team achieve the engineering goals that will lead to commercial success for the company. This can be through technical oversight and decision making to helping navigate and plan through the many routes the team can take to successfully deliver and launch the company’s ground breaking products.
3. What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
Learning from the team about the technology we’re developing and seeing them enthuse about their work and achievements.
Still do love a good white boarding session to work through a thorny technical problem though!
4. What inspires you?
Elegant design in engineering. When functional and innovative ideas are engineered into technical works of art, that to a user appear to be nothing less than magic.
5. What advice would you give someone wanting to get into engineering leadership?
Serve time as a hands-on engineer first. Only then can you understand and appreciate the nuances, challenges, pitfalls and joys an engineer experiences when developing new technology and products. Understanding helps bring credibility and empathy with the team you’re privileged to lead.
6. What do you do when you’re not in work?
Generally creative and hands-on things, whether that be playing the piano, renovating a house, fixing a car or tinkering with electronics.
I do love movies and have begun building a home cinema so that will be me busy for most of the coming year!
7. What’s the last book you read?
Through Two Doors at Once – Anil Ananthaswamy
A very apt choice of read that I started before I knew I’d be joining KETS!
To get in touch with Martyn, drop us an email at enquiry@kets-quantum.com