Our leadership
HR Wallingford is governed through a unique structure that protects our independence and long term public value. As a company limited by guarantee, we are non-profit distributing and have no shareholders. Instead, our direction is guided by a Board of Directors and a diverse body of Company Members drawn from our employees, industry, academia and the public sector.
This model ensures strong oversight, broad professional insight and a shared commitment to reinvesting in research and innovation, helping us deliver sustainable, evidence based solutions for communities worldwide.
Our Board
HR Wallingford Group Board provides strategic leadership and oversight, drawing on extensive experience across engineering, finance, energy, innovation and governance. Our Executive and Non-Executive Directors work together to guide our long‑term direction, strengthen our research and technical capability, and ensure we deliver sustainable, evidence‑based solutions for clients and communities across the world.
Executive Directors
Ridha Bentiba
A collaborative leader with deep marine engineering expertise, Ridha has spent more than 20 years delivering major coastal and maritime projects around the world. He drives innovation, international growth and an inclusive culture, helping our teams build sustainable, resilient solutions for communities globally.
Andy Brown
With over 35 years in hydraulic consulting and software, Andy brings global commercial experience and a strong focus on long‑term resilience. He leads our digital growth, energy transition work and international development, helping clients navigate complex water challenges with confidence.
Ed Warwick
Ed shapes our financial resilience and long‑term strategy, aligning investment with innovation, sustainability and our research mission. His background across global finance and technology supports strong governance, enabling HR Wallingford to deliver lasting value for clients, employees and society.
Non-Executive Directors
Alan Lowdon
Prof Alan Lowdon OBE is a respected energy and innovation leader with decades of global experience, particularly in offshore wind. He brings strong strategic insight, deep sector knowledge and an international perspective to our governance and long‑term direction.
Janet Ogundele
Janet brings extensive experience in organisational development and people leadership from major global companies. She provides valuable guidance on culture, governance and change, helping us strengthen leadership and support sustainable growth.
Chris Wood
Chris contributes wide‑ranging financial, operational and governance expertise from senior roles across public, private and academic sectors. He supports strong oversight, risk management and long‑term planning across the organisation.
Our Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee leads our consultancy, equipment, and software areas, and support global growth, innovation, and our people‑centred approach. Working together, our divisional directors turn our strategy into action and ensure we deliver trusted, independent solutions worldwide.
Good governance starts with people
Our company members
Our Company Members help safeguard HR Wallingford’s independence and purpose. Drawn from our employees, industry, academia and the public sector, they provide oversight, constructive challenge and professional insight. Their role supports strong governance and ensures we continue to invest in research and deliver sustainable, evidence based solutions.
- British Expertise
- British Ports Association
- Canal & River Trust
- Civil Engineering Contractors Association
- Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Environment Agency
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST)
- The Association of Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)
- The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- The Federation of Dredging Contractors
- The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- Water UK
In addition, our employees elect eight colleagues to act as staff company members.