News | Tuesday, 16th July 2019
CEO of Siemens UK awarded honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree
Juergen Maier CBE recognised for his contribution to business and manufacturing
The chief executive of Siemens UK has received an honorary doctorate from Manchester Metropolitan University in recognition of his significant contribution to business and the manufacturing sector.
Juergen Maier CBE was named an honorary Doctor of Business Administration at a graduation ceremony for students in the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, held at the Bridgewater Hall on Tuesday (July 16).
Maier is a passionate advocate of the UK rebalancing its economy and has supported many UK-wide initiatives championing manufacturing, improved infrastructure and engineering skills, and has recently been asked by the government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to lead a new review on Industrial Digitalisation for UK manufacturing.
Maier also supports the modern re-industrialisation of the Northern Powerhouse and sits on the North West Business Leadership team, and is a board member of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership as well as the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Opportunities
Accepting the award, he told the audience: “When I graduated in Production Engineering 33 years ago I had absolutely no idea how pivotal this day would be for me – the mass of opportunities out there for me to be a part of – and I suspect many of you don’t know how important your education and this special day is for you as you go forward.
“I imagine for many of you it feels a little bit disruptive out there right now, and I can tell you that working for Siemens for 34 years – a key technology company – I have never seen the pace of technology quite as what it is today. And, of course, the political and economic landscape is turbulent too.
“But the good news is that any period of disruption brings with it massive opportunity and that is where we need the best talents in the world to help us with those challenges the disruptions present to us.”
In his speech, Maier looked to the graduates to help with ongoing challenges with climate change and creating a more sustainable planet.
He said: “We need you to take hold of these challenges and help us make sure we can solve them – it’s your generation that is going to have the key to really help us make sure we create a sustainable planet as we go forward.
“As scientists, we all have a role to play because technology and science has a lot of answers to the societal challenges being thrown at us: how do we create this new sustainable world?; How do we create the fourth industrial revolution?; How do we take society with us for new technology like artificial intelligence?
“We as scientists and engineers can help resolve this and these are all amazing opportunities for you.”
Privilege
Before being appointed Chief Executive of Siemens UK in July 2014, Maier has occupied other senior posts with the multinational company, including industry sector lead for the UK and Ireland, and Manufacturing Director of the Drives Factory in Congleton, Cheshire. He became a member of the Siemens UK Executive Management Board in October 2008.
Manchester Metropolitan University has a close partnership with the company and has recently become the only University to deliver Siemens' Connected Curriculum at postgraduate level, giving students unrivalled access to world-leading Industry 4.0 technology and insight.
Speaking about the University, Maier said: “It’s been a privilege to look into the future of these graduates today. There’s a real community and team spirit at Manchester Metropolitan.
“I look forward to our ongoing relationship with Siemens and Manchester Metropolitan University: at the forefront of sustainable development and the great work both of our companies do around the hydrogen economy, sustainable infrastructure and the fourth industrial revolution.”
