Dame Judith Hackitt is an esteemed engineer and civil servant whose distinguished career has seen her hold numerous prestigious positions across the engineering and manufacturing sectors. A highly articulate and adept speaker, she is widely recognised for her expert knowledge in finance, health, safety, and engineering. Judith has delivered keynote addresses across the country, sharing invaluable insights with audiences from industry and government. Her reputation as a thought leader and authoritative voice in engineering makes her a compelling presence on any speaking platform.
Judith was educated at Imperial College London, where she studied chemical engineering. This solid academic foundation led to her first professional role at Exxon Chemicals, working at the Fawley Refinery for 15 years. Her success there paved the way for leadership roles, beginning with her appointment as Director-General of the Chemical Industries Association from 2002 to 2005. She then transitioned to the European Chemical Industries Council in Brussels. In 2009, Judith became Chair of the Health and Safety Executive, further cementing her position as a key figure in UK regulatory and engineering circles.
From 2013 to 2014, Judith served as President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to advancing the field. She has also been a trustee and senior non-executive director of the Energy Saving Trust, a trustee of City & Guilds, and a non-executive director at the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult. In 2016, she took up the role of Chair of manufacturing trade body EEF, alongside her leadership of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, commissioned after the Grenfell Tower fire. Her leadership continued with roles including Chair of Enginuity in 2017, Non-Executive Director of HS2 Ltd in 2019, and most recently, Interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation in 2024.
Judith’s exceptional contributions have been recognised through numerous honours, including her appointments as CBE in 2006 and DBE in 2016 for services to engineering, health, and safety. She was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2010 and recognised among the Top 50 Women in UK Engineering by “The Telegraph” in 2016. Judith brings not only technical expertise but also decades of leadership experience to her speaking engagements. She is a compelling choice for keynote addresses, particularly on topics of engineering, regulation, and safety, offering audiences the benefit of a truly distinguished and insightful perspective.
