Robert Townshend

Renault 19

Star Wars

The Innovators Dilemma

Cote d'Azur

John Sullivan

First car:

Favourite movie:

Recommended book:

Go to holiday:

Best boss:

Engagement Model Offered

Day Rate / Hourly Rate; Technical / Advisory

Suited to Organisational Types

Start-ups; Scale-ups; SME

Robert is a Product & Business Strategy Manager with over 35 years of experience across automotive, defence and marine sectors, with a strong focus on electrification and battery development in recent years. He brings a well-rounded blend of technical, commercial and programme leadership expertise.

He supports organisations in securing and delivering complex projects, developing robust business cases and aligning customer requirements with clear, executable strategies that drive successful outcomes.

Robert’s Arena

• Automotive, Defence & Marine.

• Technical Focus: Electrification & Battery Development.

• Function Expertise: Product Strategy, Commercial Delivery, Programme Management.

Superpowers

• Secures and delivers complex projects, including commercial and grant-funded programmes.

• Bridges technical, commercial and programme perspectives to ensure successful outcomes.

• Develops robust business cases and proposals to support funding and growth.

• Brings a full lifecycle understanding from concept through to production.

Impact in Action

• APC Programme (2022): Secured a £10m grant-funded project in collaboration with BP, BMW and key partners.

• Tata Motors (2016): Supported delivery of the Tata Nexon, now India’s best-selling compact SUV.

• UKTI Advisory Board (2008–2009): Contributed to the Advanced Engineering Advisory Board, supporting UK government initiatives.

• Managed programmes of up to £25m and teams of 50+.

Working style

• Strategic, commercial and decisive.

• Brings clarity and structure to complex projects, ensuring delivery aligns with both technical and business goals.