We're nearly half way through January but we are incredibly pleased to have started the year with the news that Sir Warren East KBE, our IET President since October 2024, received a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours list for services to the economy and net zero.

Having worked on his President’s Address, we can safely say that Sir Warren is not one to brag about his accolades – he noted to our comms team that his titles are really not needed in an informal context. Seeing our members and staff as real allies in supporting industry to drive towards net zero, Warren didn’t want it included on President’s Address marketing, a humility that makes his New Year’s Honour all the more worthy. 

Many of you will know that Sir Warren is an inspiring engineer and leader with a career that spans 40 years, having made significant contributions to the engineering and technology industry. His award of Knight Batchelor is in recognition of his work as a business leader, formerly holding both the CEO positions at chip manufacturer ARM and Rolls-Royce plc, and championing net zero.

Warren shared: “I’m delighted to receive this honour and pleased to fly the flag for industry in the UK. During my time so far as President of the IET, I have been immersed in the exciting changes and opportunities in the sector, especially looking at green and digital futures. It has been very rewarding to represent and work with people throughout the organisation – colleagues, volunteers, partners and professional members all working together to engineer a better world. I hope we can continue collaborating and creating new paths going forward – anticipating and meeting the needs of society.” 

Warren began his career in the semiconductor industry at Texas Instruments, then at UK chip designer ARM where he was CEO from 2001 to 2013. He has served on the boards of engineering and technology companies including BT, Dyson and Micron, and was appointed CEO at Rolls-Royce plc in April 2015 – with a mission to modernise, grow capacity, enhance operational gearing, and determine future direction for a net zero world. During his time at Rolls-Royce, the company broke the world speed record for Electric flight and demonstrated Hydrogen combustion in an aero engine. He left Rolls-Royce at the end of 2022.

"Within ARM and Rolls-Royce, I’ve been very lucky to lead two of our stand-out engineering and technology businesses that both punch well above their weight on a global stage. Both are full of incredibly dedicated and extremely capable people worldwide, and of course this honour is really about them.”

Now driven by his passion for sustainability, he’s empowering smaller businesses to develop cutting-edge technologies to help reach net zero. This year he was appointed Chair of carbon capture developer firm C-Capture, as well as Chair of the UK’s National Air Traffic Service (NATS). 

Warren expanded: “Since leaving Rolls-Royce, I remain focused on engineering and technology, encouraging young people into STEM subjects, and working with businesses enabling the energy transition and climate change mitigation, alongside fundamental technology and essential infrastructure.” 

Ed Almond, our Chief Executive and Secretary, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for Sir Warren and testament to his hard work, commitment and success in engineering and technology. 

“Warren has dedicated his career towards driving change and bettering results within industry. He is an advocate for the STEM sector, inspires the next generation of engineers and technicians, and is a recognised and respected leader at the highest level in the profession.” 

It’s really encouraging to start the new year with such positive news. We’re excited for what’s to come for the IET in 2025 with Warren at the helm. 

Re-watch Warren’s President’s Address, below or visit: Time to re-engineer? | The IET President’s Address.