Jo Lopes has worked for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for over 22 years having joined the then Rover Group (including Land Rover) as a graduate. Jo worked for 16 years within Research and Development in different Engineering roles.

Since the end of 2006, Jo has been in role of Head of Technical Excellence for JLR. He has responsibility for the development and nurturing of engineering skills and competencies within the company and exploiting links with Universities, Professional institutions and other Engineering organisations. This includes developing the skills supporting JLR’s advanced low-carbon vehicle development, through leading a multi-university masters level modular degree programme. As well as ensuring that JLR’s new engineering graduates and higher apprentices, are given the necessary skills to support future growth.

He leads on promoting engineering to young people though JLR’s direct involvement with activities such as “The Big Bang Fair” and other initiatives which seek to raise the profile of the advanced engineering sector to the public and government at large.

Jo represents Jaguar Land Rover and the automotive industry at cross-sector working groups, including the skills focused groups of the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Sector Skills Council, CBI and professional engineering organisations and institutions.

Jo is a Chartered Engineer, has a Master of Philosophy in Applied Physics and is a member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology.