BAE Systems senior leader joins University of Cumbria's Faculty for Business, Industry and Leadership
Professor of Practice role for Will Tudor, Director of Digital Shipyard at BAE Systems.
With his extensive expertise and experience in digital engineering, systems engineering and defence innovation, Will Tudor will be supporting the University of Cumbria's teaching and industry engagement.
His role reflects the ambition to establish the university, as well as the Barrow campus, as a leading centre for engineering, advanced manufacturing and digital innovation, developing the skills, knowledge and partnerships needed to support the future of the UK's industry enterprise.
Drawing on his experience leading digital transformation across complex engineering programmes, Will works with academic colleagues, students and industry partners to strengthen the integration of academic scholarship with professional practice, ensuring activities remain closely aligned with the evolving needs of industry and national priorities.
Will brings extensive leadership experience in digital engineering, systems engineering and organisational transformation, gained through senior roles at BAE Systems.
As Director of Digital Shipyard, he is leading the transformation of digital capabilities across one of the UK's most significant engineering environments, helping to embed digital technologies, systems integration and data-driven approaches that will shape the future of complex manufacturing and defence programmes.
His expertise closely aligns with the university’s strategic priorities in advanced manufacturing, engineering and computing, particularly as digital technologies increasingly underpin the design, manufacture and through-life support of complex engineering systems.
Will's expertise in digital engineering and large-scale transformation strengthens the university’s ability to connect academic research with industrial practice, ensuring students develop the skills, knowledge and professional experience required by rapidly evolving engineering sectors.
As Barrow continues to play an increasingly important role in the UK's defence and advanced manufacturing landscape, his contribution will help deepen the university's engagement with industry, knowledge exchange and regional economic growth while further enhancing the university’s reputation as a trusted partner for engineering and digital transformation.
Dr Kate Dixon, Director of the Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Cumbria, said: "Will brings extensive experience in digital engineering, systems integration and large-scale transformation, providing our students and academic community with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of engineering. His expertise will strengthen the connection between academic learning and professional practice, helping us to develop programmes that reflect the realities of modern engineering environments. Through his engagement with our students, staff and industry partners, he will support the development of the skills, confidence and leadership capabilities needed by the next generation of engineers."
Will Tudor said: "I am delighted to be joining the University of Cumbria at what is clearly an exciting time for the university and the Faculty for Business, Industry and Leadership specifically. The future is digital and our developing engineers, manufacturers and computer scientists will become the leaders that help bring that future to reality.
“As part of the University of Cumbria, I'm so excited by the opportunity to help our future digital leaders fulfil their potential – imparting some of my experiences and real-life examples of the realities of digital transformation along the way."