John's experience and track record of success
Dr. John R. Thomas is able to offer an unique combination of Business and Academic experience, having been at various times a Manager, a Problem-solver and Lecturer.
(Fought it, Thought it and Taught it!).
For a short C.V. please click on this link:Dr. John R. Thomas CV summary 01.2026
..After an extended period of ill health during 2025 we are back in business!
And keen to continue in 2026
Summary
- Experienced manufacturing and business transformation specialist with more than 45 years’ experience delivering operational improvement, strategic development and organisational transformation across manufacturing, engineering, automotive, medical supplies, packaging, electronics, food, and public sector environments.
- For over two decades, held senior operational and manufacturing leadership roles within major multinational organisations including 3M, Nissan, Toyota supply-chain operations, DS Smith, and Rexam. Subsequently established and led an independent management consultancy focused on implementing world-class manufacturing, operational excellence, and Industry 4.0 methodologies to achieve sustainable improvements in performance, productivity, profitability, and organisational capability.
- Extensive experience advising organisations across the UK and internationally, ranging from SMEs to global corporations. Recognised for combining practical operational leadership with strong academic and teaching credentials, including 10 years as an Industrial Fellow at the University of Cambridge.
- Worked extensively with SMEs and larger enterprises to improve competitiveness and sustainability.
- Provided diagnostic, advisory, training, and implementation services across diverse industrial sectors.
Dr. John R. Thomas CV summary 01.2026
In 2020 Dr. Thomas joined the SMART Digital Accelerator team at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).
This is a team of industry expert advisers who work with manufacturers in Wales to help them identify the right technology to boost their bottom line.
He has developed considerable Industry 4.0 digital skills during this time; working with and learning from, the subject experts in the Digital Accelerator Team.
This team has conducted diagnostics and subsequently advised a broad range of companies on the best methods of adopting digital technologies.
Click here for a photograph of the Digital Accelerator Team.
Dr. Thomas is also an active participant in the Welsh Government’s Business Mentor Programme, where experienced professionals voluntarily partner with start-up businesses to provide advice and support.
Academic Experience
Dr.Thomas was for 10 years a member of the ECS (Education and Consultancy Services) team at the Institute for Manufacturing at Cambridge University responsible for developing innovative services to support small and medium-sized companies.
Dr. Thomas led the IfM portfolio in Wales and the West Midlands and simultaneously worked closely with the Welsh Government to provide diagnostic and consultancy services to a range of companies in Wales.
In doing this work, Dr.Thomas operated as an Industrial Fellow of the University of Cambridge.
From a teaching perspective:
- He was for 15 years a part-time Lecturer on Masters degree courses in Manufacturing, Quality and Project management with the Open University, (much of it as a consultant author of Technology Implementation, Project Management. Quality management and Manufacturing-based courses).
- Lectured in Operations Management and General Management at Swansea University and taught Organic Chemistry for the Biosciences Foundation course (16 years part-time).
- Taught Project Management on the LBA programme at Cardiff Business School.
- Ran a course on Value-Stream Mapping for the Engineering faculty at University of Wales Trinity St. Davids.
- He was also a workforce development Fellow at University of Wales Trinity St. Davids. In this role he worked with businesses in West Wales to develop and implement robust business plans to ensure sustainability of these enterprises.
Qualifications
|
Academic
Professional |
Ph.D in Synthetic Organic Chemistry Honours degree in Chemistry (B.Sc.) M.B.A.
F.R.S.C., C.Chem., A.I.B.A. |
For a short C.V. please click on this link:Dr. John R. Thomas CV summary 01.2026
