Biography
Justin Kelly is a seasoned executive and non-executive board member with a passion for responsible business. A Chartered Engineer. Over nearly three decades, he held diverse roles in engineering, product, project and business management, marketing, strategy, sustainability and business development, culminating in his appointment to the Siemens UK Executive Management Board in 2017.
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Justin’s commitment to sustainability highlighted in 2023 when he became Non-Exec Chair of Sustainable Ventures North, an organisation dedicated to supporting sustainability-focused start-ups across the country.
He invested time as the founding CEO of the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre in Greater Manchester establishing initiatives to advance the application of sustainable material innovation, manufacturing and machinery, with a focus on driving innovation that benefits both the economy and the environment.
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Most recently Justin has been appointed as the CEO of Glass Futures, a global not-for-profit research and technology, membership organisation that connects the glass industry with academia to demonstrate disruptive technologies that will make glass and other materials zero carbon and sustainable.
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In addition to his executive role, Justin serves in several other non-executive capacities, including on the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), the Board of Transport for the North and he also chairs the Bright Futures Educational Trust Members, advocating for educational equality that prepare young people for future challenges in an ever-changing environment.
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Justin Kelly
Open to Leadership, Consultancy and Support opportunities
With a successful leadership career in one of the worlds most successful companies and across a mix of non-exec roles I bring a wealth of experience in leadership, strategy, transformation, sustainability, marketing and governance.
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Add in background across a variety of sectors including industry, manufacturing, technology, transport, skills and education
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Whatever your challenge and however you think I can help let's have a conversation.
Service / Capabilities
Whether its short term advice or longer term implementation engagements, these are some key areas where I have extensive experience and am able to help you and your business / organisation
Strategy Development
Meeting / Event Facilitation
Go To Market / Business Development
Business Transformation
Sustainability / Net Zero Programs
Marketing & Communications
Organisational Development
Technology & Innovation
Background & Expertise
I’ve had the opportunity to hold a variety of roles over the years.
Here is a bit more about my background and experience.
November 2024 - Date
CEO
Glass Futures Ltd
​Glass Futures is a unique, global industry-led, membership-based Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) established in 2020 and now housed in a purpose-built 165,000 sq. ft. Centre of Excellence in St. Helens to research and drive decarbonisation across the Foundation Industries - Glass, Cement, Ceramics, Chemicals, Paper, and Steel – to contribute to planetary climate change imperatives.
April 2024 - October 2024
CEO (Interim)
Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC)
A pivotal role in leading the establishment of the SMMC, a key component of the Investment Zone for Greater Manchester.
A key component of the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone which aims to unlock a mega-cluster of manufacturing innovation.
Convening key stakeholders from across the city region and the UK manufacturing ecosystem, building and articulating a compelling vision, and establishing the foundation for transformative change in the region's manufacturing sector.
September 2023 - Date
Non Executive Director (Chair)
Sustainable Ventures (North)
Europe’s largest Sustainability Start-up Ecosystem. A business providing Investment and investment readiness services, Corporate and public sector programs, consultancy and workspace. Following a significant Top-co investment to underpin growth this SPV will deliver growth across the North of England.
April 2021 - November 2024
Non Executive Director (NED)
Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP)
Member of the The Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP) which sits at the heart of Greater Manchester’s governance arrangements, ensuring that business leaders are empowered to set the strategic course, determine local priorities and drive growth and job creation within the city region. Specific portfolio for Skills and Advanced Manufacturing.
2021 - Date
Non Executive Director
Transport For The North (TfN)
England’s first sub-national transport body, TfN brings together local representatives from across the North of England to allow the North to speak with a single voice to Government.
2017 - 2022
Siemens UK Executive Management Board Member
A member of Siemens Executive Management Team for Siemens UK & Ireland operations. Operating responsibility for Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Marketing & Communications, Key Account Management for Top Regional Accounts, Infrastructure & Vertical Market Sales, Sustainability, Corporate R&D/IP.
March 2017 - 2023
Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Non Executive Board Member
Formed by former Chancellor George Osborne and Lord Jim O’Neil the NPP is a business led force helping drive the Northern Powerhouse to realise the economic benefits of North / South economic rebalancing.
2011 - Date
Member (Chair)
Bright Futures Educational Trust
A multi-academy trust based in the North West. Twelve schools including Altrincham Girls Grammar School (Former Chair of Governors). Making fantastic progress raising standards and driving up attainment.
June 2023 - Date
Director
J Kelly Ltd
Provision of consulting and advisory in Strategy, Transformation, Growth, Leadership, Marketing & Communications, Sustainability.
Recent Assignments Including:
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Consultancy through establishment and strategy and implementation of a Global Digital Experience Function.
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Consultancy/advisory, in establishing and delivering their post investment growth platform.