Heidi Mottram OBE, Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water, has been named as one of the UK’s top 50 female engineers in a major national poll.
Ms Mottram, was named in the list compiled by the Daily Telegraph in collaboration with the Women’s Engineering Society, after being chosen by an expert panel of judges from more than 900 nominations from across all branches of engineering.
Heidi had a distinguished career in the rail industry before being appointed as the Northumbrian Water Chief Executive in 2010. She was awarded the OBE the same year, and was elected a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers – one of the world’s foremost engineering bodies in 2013. Fellowship is the highest grade of membership in the organisation, and recognises senior engineers who have made a significant contribution to the discipline.
The Top 50 list was released as part of National Women in Engineering Day - a campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in industry.
The list also featured Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah, the only female engineer in Parliament and a long-standing supporter of the ICE.
Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water, said: “I am honoured to be featured alongside some wonderful engineers, and I hope that this list helps to inspire more young women and girls to pursue a career in engineering. This is a hugely rewarding industry that can not only enhance the lives of those within it, but it also gives people a chance to shape the world around them.”
Penny Marshall, Regional Director of the ICE in the North East, said: “I would like to congratulate Heidi on this fantastic and well-deserved accolade. It rewards her achievements as a leader, as well as her commitment to the civil engineering profession.
“Thanks to National Women in Engineering Day, many girls will consider civil engineering as a career for the first time. By looking at the example Heidi has set, they can enter the profession confident in the knowledge that the sky is the limit.
“I would also like to congratulate Chi Onwurah MP on being included in the list, we really appreciate the support she offers to the ICE, and her advocacy of engineering in Parliament.”