New CTO for Thatcham Research

Thatcham Research has appointed Richard Billyeald as its new chief technical officer.

Richard will join on 14 August 2017 and takes over the role from Andrew Miller who is leaving Thatcham Research on 16 June 2017 to set up his own consultancy business.

Richard will lead Thatcham Research’s Repair Technology Centre (RTC) as it continues to assess and provide solutions for bodyshops and insurers around vehicle repair challenges of the future; as well as the vehicle testing functions. He will also focus on vehicle cyber-crime protection strategies, collaborating with the automotive industry, insurers and law enforcement agencies.

Richard brings with him more than 20 years’ experience delivering cutting-edge engineering programmes in the automotive, motorsport, aerospace and military sectors.

Peter Shaw, chief executive at Thatcham Research said, ‘The current pace of change in vehicle development is unprecedented. We are making major investments into the testing and evaluation of future and automated vehicles. Richard’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment that will enable us to address some of the major issues facing the vehicle and insurance industry.’

On Andrew Miller’s departure, Peter commented, ‘Andrew has made a major contribution to Thatcham Research over the past 14 years, and has left an indelible mark on the organisation. He has led ground-breaking research and analysis around repair and has created a legacy of a highly respected Euro NCAP testing facility at Thatcham Research, as well as being the chairman of Euro NCAP. We wish Andrew great success in the future, and thank him for his contribution to the insurance industry, Thatcham Research and making cars safer and more secure.’