Graduated in Aeronautical Engineering (Bachelor and Master of Science) from Imperial College, University of London. Doctor in Structural Dynamics from Univ. of Stuttgart and Univ. of London. He worked in industry with Lloyds Register of Shipping and Kongsberg, and joined ESA in 1976 where he has been successively in charge of Structures section, and Structures and Mechanisms div. In 1997, he became head of the Mechanical Engineering department which covers the classical space disciplines structures, mechanisms, optoelectronics, microgravity and life sciences instrumentation, automation and robotics, thermal control and life support, aropulsion and aerothermodynamics, and test facilities for verification of space vehicles and subsystems. He was elected chairman of NAFEMS in 2004.