MBE for APC Automotive Transformation Director

16 June 2025 – Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), has been awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King’s birthday honours list, for services to Business Investment and Growth 

Commenting on his award, Mr Hetherington, said: 

I am both delighted and humbled by the award of the MBE, having spent 32 years in the automotive industry with Ford Motor Company and Jaguar Land Rover driving investment projects around the world, and since 2019 at the APC working to bring substantial investment into the UK to unlock the sector’s vital transition to zero-emission vehicles and sustain high value employment in the UK.”

“Public recognition for the APC’s support to drive over £6 billion pounds of investment into the UK over the last 5 years is important, and reflects the longstanding and effective partnership between the UK Government and industry.

“The UK is exceptionally well-placed to support this transition with world-leading R&D in the vital technologies to deliver the transition to a low-carbon future. With appropriate and focussed support combined with our industry’s commitment, the UK is proving to be a very attractive and competitive location for investment.”