John comes to his strategic advisor role after a full career in service delivery, firstly as an engineer and logistician in the Army and latterly as a Chief Executive in local government.

After studying Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University as an Army Undergraduate Cadet, he served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in the UK, Germany, Belgium and the United States, and had the privilege to command four times on operations - in Bosnia, Iraq and twice in Afghanistan.

After 3 years as the Army’s Logistics Director, he completed his service as a Major General commanding the British Forces in Germany in 2015, when he was selected for the role of Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council. His focus has been on improved service quality and efficiency, and on boosting the confidence of his colleagues through an innovative people strategy. His tenure included the Coronavirus pandemic response, during which the county council led across public service, assisting residents, businesses and communities.

John is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer (FIMechE) and Logistician (FCILT), a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), and holds the Ehrenkreuz (German Honour Cross) in Gold and the United States Meritorious Service Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster.