A Fellow of the ImechE, Stephen is set to join the London headquarters in February. He arrives at one of the most exciting points in the IMechE's history with recent reports on energy, the environment and global resources highlighting the vital importance for more engineers and investment in the profession.

With his experience as CEO at the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Stephen also brings to the IMechE 25 years' experience in vehicle fleet engineering and maintenance support operations gained mainly in the Ministry of Defence and the Army. His most recent position before joining VOSA was as Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering for the Army and head of REME (the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers). Before that, he was Director of Operations at the Defence Logistic Organisation.

Stephen holds an MSc and an MBA. He began his career as an engineering apprentice with Smiths Industries Ltd, working as a design engineer in the motor and aerospace divisions. Moving on to REME as its leader, he was responsible for an excellent engineering organisation and professional engineering training schemes in the UK charged with delivering and contracting global engineering support for military vehicles and weapon systems. During a career involving a variety of operational engineering and logistic appointments around the world, he also ran an international defence team of engineers and scientists to set NATO's agenda for scientific research. At VOSA, he campaigned to transform its customer services, winning national awards for innovative Business-to-Business web-based services and the recently announced 2008 National Government Award for Operational Delivery.

Stephen Tetlow says he is now excited and inspired to be taking the helm of the ImechE: "I am delighted to be joining the Institution at what I believe is one of the most critically important and economically challenging times for engineers and our engineering profession. The IMechE has four key themes: education, energy, environment and transport. It is in these areas where I believe we will be able to make great strides and must deliver a strong influence. I am really looking forward to this challenge and to ensure the Institution provides top-class, modern, innovative support for its members and the profession of engineering as a whole."

IMechE President, Professor William M Banks, says: "I am delighted that we have managed to acquire the services of such an eminent mechanical engineer. Stephen will bring a wealth of experience to the post. His breadth of knowledge and many contacts should ensure that the Institution will have its voice heard in the highest circles. I am very much looking forward to working with him."