TEAM
together on OUR JOURNEY
HVS is driven by its team, with each colleague working to a shared vision to revolutionise heavy duty transport and bring zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles to market
The Executive management team
Jawad Khursheed
Chief Executive Officer
As a highly successful entrepreneur and executive professional with +19 years of cumulative experience in strategy and business development, Jawad has showcased unparalleled expertise in leading HVS to remarkable heights. Since assuming leadership in 2020, he has adeptly navigated the company through the challenges posed by the pandemic while spearheading transformative initiatives.
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Under his direction, HVS has not only secured significant investments but also successfully delivered multiple vehicles and government-funded projects, positioning the company as a trailblazer in its sector. Jawad's strategic vision has been instrumental in propelling HVS towards the manufacturing stage, marking a pivotal milestone in the company's evolution.
Under Jawad's astute guidance, HVS has thrived, evidenced by the development of cutting-edge vehicle technology programs and the establishment of an impressive intellectual property portfolio. His leadership has enabled the team to achieve notable milestones, including the creation of four ground-breaking vehicle technology demonstrators. Jawad's unwavering commitment to innovation and strategic foresight has been instrumental in shaping HVS into an industry leader, driving the organisation towards a future defined by continued growth, innovation, and success.
Ian Palmer
Managing Director
An internationally experienced Senior Executive with a specialisation in the automotive sector. Known for his exceptional ability to lead and motivate teams, Ian brings a wealth of experience that spans both large and small private equity, global groups, and a UK PLC. Ian's most previous role was Chief Financial Officer at Gordon Murray Group.
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Ian has played important roles in the turnaround of several prominent automotive companies, including SEAT, Bentley Motors, and Aston Martin. His financial acumen also extended to managing the profitability of proprietary supercar projects and 3rd party client programs.
Stephanie Thomson
Office for CEO & MD
Stephanie has an in-depth knowledge of the haulage industry, having experience working for several major logistics companies including DHL, Wincanton and large automotive OEM’s including Mercedes, DAF, MAN and Scania.
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Stephanie has worked for HVS for over seven years, shaping the strategy, growing the business and supporting customers and partners. She adeptly uses her industry experience to work closely with our end-users to identify our customers' needs in zero-emission fleets.
John McKenna
Chief Technical Officer
John holds over 25 years’ international experience in automotive development from the concept phase, through development and into launch stage. He has led large multi discipline teams located globally, including Low Cost Country support teams.
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John has held senior positions in both Program Management & at Chief Engineer level across the Ford Tier 1 supply base and for McLaren. He also has Start Up experience through his time at Arrival Electric Bus where he headed up the Exteriors team.
John McLeister
Chief Commercial Officer
John has extensive, international experience in commercial vehicle manufacturing and in sales and business development. During his time on the Executive Team at Wrightbus, he had a long and successful career, holding several senior positions delivering sales strategies internationally.
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Most recently, John held the position of Director of Sales and Business Development, and under his stewardship, he successfully introduced the world’s first Hydrogen Double Decker Bus to the UK market and increased Wrightbus’ overall market share in Zero Emission buses: propelling the organisation to a market leader position.
Lisa-Marie Cunningham
Interim Chief Operating Officer
Lisa-Marie has 20 years International HR experience working in Engineering scale-up businesses as well as large Blue-Chip Companies such as Alstom, Delphi Technologies & Ecco Safety Group..
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She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management; an International NEBOSH Diploma and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Lisa-Marie has a proven track record of delivering People Strategies that attract and retain top talent to drive overall organisational performance.
Karen Preston
Chief Marketing Officer
Karen is a highly experienced B2B Marketer, having spent over 20 years at senior level working with multi-national automotive, industrial and engineering brands. She has created and implemented innovative marketing and brand strategies, including for sustainability and alternative fuel projects.
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Karen was previously UK Head of Marketing at Ryder Ltd, part of Ryder System Inc., a global leader in commercial vehicle transportation and logistics, working closing with sales and engineering teams to identify new markets and launch new products to support business growth objectives. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability and the green agenda.
Pete Clarke
Head of Design
Pete has over 15-years’ experience as an automotive designer for a diverse range of commercial, OEM, concept & niche vehicle programs in the automotive, military and aerospace sectors - including projects with Marcos, Modec, Mercedes, Fiat and Volkswagen. He has particular expertise in zero emission commercial vehicle design.
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Pete is an expert in vehicle design development, from initial pencil sketch through to production. The vehicle design philosophy implemented with HVS is one of function-led design; blending comprehensive understanding of the powertrain technology and customer requirements, resulting in design innovation that redefines the traditional HGV.
Mark Andrioli
Supply Chain Director
An internationally experienced supply chain leader with a global track record in leading and executing strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple sectors and industries. Over the last 25+ years Mark has led teams at companies such as JLR, Optimas Solutions and Haldex as well as providing freelance procurement and supply chain consultancy services to a variety of clients.
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Mark has several years of experience as a procurement director delivering significant value and business impact. He holds a passion for creating and implementing procurement strategies that align with environmental, legal, sustainable and CSR ethical principles, and that support product innovation and new technology launches.
Buta Atwal
Non-Executive Strategic Advisor
Buta has over 25 years’ experience in leadership, general management, sales and distribution networks, product design and development with P&L responsibilities. Including international experience as a JCB senior global executive. He was previously responsible for the day-to-day operations for Ryze Hydrogen, building it to a global scale.
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Buta was previously the CEO of new business start-up and turnround, Bamford Bus Company, where he was responsible for delivery of the world’s first double deck hydrogen vehicle, leading with all aspects of the business to achieve further growth.
The things we live by
We get things done
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We cut through hype and speculation with a practical, hands-on approach. We embrace all ideas but set realistic objectives we can tackle together.
We love the work
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We love what we do, and we put our heart and soul into engineering change. We care about doing the right thing every time, bringing warmth, passion and commitment to all our endeavours.
We bring the best
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Our strong, experienced and highly diverse team is dedicated to change, and collaborates to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
We push ideas further
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We’re optimistic and future-facing. We truly believe that people have the capacity to take on life’s biggest challenges and discover the things that drive us forward.
Our Commitment to Diversity
At HVS we are committed to building a highly diverse team by way of backgrounds, gender and age.
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DIVERSITY
We aim to build a diverse mix of highly-qualified and collaborative individuals whom are dedicated to change and making a meaningful difference.
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collectively
This enables us to take on the biggest technical challenges and discover the things that collectively drive us forward.
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inclusivity
Our commitment to inclusivity gives everyone the greatest opportunities to excel in what they do best and drives a high performing workplace.
WE’RE HIRING
Are you a talented engineer or a brilliant sales person? Have you got a head for project management or a love of finance?
We’d love to hear from you.
If you would like to be part of the HVS Family, please feel free to leave your CV with us: