IMechE appoints Holley Reece-Barkell as new Chair of D&I Committee

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is delighted to announce that Holley Reece-Barkell CEng FIMechE has been appointed Chair of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which is a key part of our drive to ensure engineering attracts the best talent and is welcoming to people regardless of their background.

Holley takes over the role on 1 May 2024 from Isobel Pollock-Hulf OBE, who steps down after five years.

Holley Reece-Barkell said:

“As a chartered engineer and Fellow of IMechE I’m excited to be able to give back to the Institution and the wider engineering profession.  The D&I committee have done fantastic work to date, and I love how D&I is being embedded in the institution’s DNA through the IMechE’s vision and values.  I believe the IMechE has the foundations to be a leader in this field and I’m looking forward to being part of the D&I journey”

IMechE CEO Alice Bunn said:

“We are thrilled that Holley has accepted the role of Chair of our D&I Committee. Holley brings a wealth of experience from her engineering career and her leadership of the D&I programme at Frazer Nash. We would also like to thank Isobel Pollock-Hulf for all her hard work leading the D&I Committee and implementing our D&I strategy which has been embedded across our whole organisation.”

Holley became a member of IMechE after graduating in Mechanical Engineering in 2005. In her current role as Director of Strategic Programmes and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Holley remains proud of her technical roots on which she has grown her career. 

Holley is a founding member and chair of the Frazer-Nash Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee and is actively supporting other organisations to foster inclusivity and promote the importance of visible role models. Holley is a Non-Executive Director for the British Horse Society Qualifications where she is able to combine her business acumen with her lifelong passion for horses.

Find out more about IMechE’s D&I programme.