Chairperson – Advanced Propulsion Centre UK & Zenzic
Oryx Executive Search are delighted to be supporting the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) & Zenzic in the appointment of a new Chairperson.
APC & Zenzic are two of the UK’s most strategically important industrial and innovation assets, supporting national competitiveness and accelerating the transition to zero‑emission vehicles and advancing connected automated mobility. Working in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK, APC & Zenzic direct substantial public and private investment into research and development, next-generation supply chains, and the advancement of technologies critical to the UK’s net‑zero and industrial ambitions.
With APC & Zenzic advancing their missions through the landmark DRIVE35 and CAM Pathfinder programmes — a £4 billion commitment to accelerate the UK automotive sector and £150 million in grant funding to strengthen the UK CAM ecosystem — both organisations are entering a pivotal phase. The appointment of a new Chairperson offers a unique leadership opportunity at the forefront of the UK’s automotive and mobility future.
The Role
The Chairperson will provide strategic leadership to the APC & Zenzic Board, ensure the highest standards of governance, and work in close partnership with CEO Ian Constance. The role demands a leader capable of influencing senior stakeholders across government and industry, steering organisational priorities, and enhancing APC & Zenzic’s national impact and visibility. The Chairperson will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, supporting the executive team, and ensuring APC & Zenzic continue to deliver exceptional value to the UK economy and its innovation ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the Board in setting strategic direction and ensuring robust, effective governance.
* Support, guide, and challenge the CEO while maintaining clear Board oversight.
* Uphold strong financial stewardship, risk management, and organisational accountability.
* Strengthen high‑level relationships across government, industry, and wider stakeholders.
* Champion APC & Zenzic’s mission, promoting its influence, reputation, and long‑term contribution to UK innovation and decarbonisation.
* Oversee Board and committee composition, succession planning, and performance.
Required Experience
* Outstanding governance credentials, sound judgement, and integrity.
* Experience leading complex organisations and navigating substantial strategic or industry transition.
* Senior‑level accountability for performance, financial oversight, and risk management.
* Exceptional stakeholder‑management capability across government and major industry players.
* Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills.
* Strong understanding of the UK automotive and mobility sectors and their technological and strategic challenges.
The Ideal Person
The preferred candidate will have served as a CEO, or Senior Executive Director, within a UK automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier and will bring prior Chair or NED experience. They will be adept at working with government, influential across senior networks, and motivated to enhance APC & Zenzic’s strategic reach and national contribution.
Terms
* Remuneration: Information available on request
* Time commitment: Minimum 15 days per year, including approximately eight Board engagements.
* Location: APC Head Office at Warwick University, plus occasional UK travel and remote working.
* Start date: 1 July 2026, with transitional engagement beforehand.
* Appointment term: Up to three years, renewable for a further three years.
Apply via the link below or to find out more, please contact Nic Davis at Oryx Executive Search on 0117 983 7800 or n.davis@oryxes.co.uk
Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on Sunday 15th February 2026.