News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk June/July 2026 Brian Holliday appointed Chief Executive Officer of Siemens UK and Ireland Alongside AI, simulation technologies such as digital twins are beginning to move from concept to deployment. While just over a quarter of manufacturers having already implemented these technologies, the vast majority are either investing or planning to do so, signalling strong forward momentum. These tools are enabling organisations to test scenarios, optimize processes and reduce operational risk before making changes on the factory floor. However, the full value of these technologies is being constrained by a more fundamental issue: data. UK manufacturers report using less than half of the operational data they collect effectively, pointing to a persistent gap between data generation and decision-making. Closing this gap is likely to be one of the most important factors in determining future competitiveness. More broadly, UK manufacturing is showing clear signs of maturity. Smart manufacturing technologies are now widely deployed, and adoption is accelerating as organisations focus on scaling what works rather than piloting new tools. Artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as the technology most likely to deliver meaningful operational improvements, reinforcing its central role in the next phase of industrial transformation. Taken together, the findings suggest that UK manufacturing is entering a new phase of digital transformation. The foundations have been laid, investment is established and adoption is widespread. The next challenge is execution — turning digital capability into consistent, scalable performance in an increasingly complex industrial landscape. UK at a glance 87% of UK manufacturers say digital transformation is essential 27% of operating budgets allocated to industrial technology 49% have already invested in AI, with 38% planning further investment 53% have invested in generative AI, with 33% planning adoption Cybersecurity is the leading AI use case at 48% 62% have invested in cybersecurity technologies Cybersecurity is the leading AI use case for UK manufacturers, cited by 48% of organisations 27% have deployed digital twins, with 47% planning investment (88% total) 45% of operational data is used effectively 40% cite rising labour costs as the top workforce challenge 36% cite change management as a key barrier 38% of employees are engaged in reskilling programmes 48% identify AI as the technology with the greatest operational impact Siemens has recently announced the appointment of Brian Holliday as chief executive officer (CEO) for the UK and Ireland. In the role, Holliday will lead Siemens’ strategy and engagement across the UK and Ireland, where the company employs 12,000 people and generated £4.6 billion in revenue in financial year 2025. Holliday has worked for Siemens for more than 32 years in a range of technology and leadership roles. He has worked with companies across the industrial spectrum to create value through technology and has been a noteworthy contributor to the UK innovation, industrial policy and skills landscapes. He will continue as managing director of Siemens Digital Industries and build on more than 10 years as a member of the UK and Ireland senior leadership team. “Brian brings a deep understanding of our strategic priorities and our customers, as well as strong insight into the challenges facing industry as it digitalises. His external experience with the Catapults and Made Smarter will also be a real asset,” said Matthias Rebellius, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG, responsible for UK and Ireland. “Brian will build on the strong foundations already in place, continuing to drive focus on the areas where we can make the greatest difference and create more value for customers. This will be even more important as we take forward our ONE Tech Company programme and ensure we serve our customers in a seamless, straightforward way.” Rebellius added. Holliday commented: “I’m honoured to take up this position at a time of significant change, where technology and talent can make a real difference. I’ve always been proud of our people and struck by the commitment and sense of purpose evident across our UK and Ireland organisation – thus I’m genuinely excited to lead this strong team. With global leadership in industrial technology and AI, as well as the partnerships we’ve developed, Siemens is well set to help our customers with their competitiveness, resilience and sustainability.” Holliday is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield. He holds degrees from Cardiff University and the University of Manchester as well as an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University. He began his career as an apprentice with Texas Instruments and remains a strong advocate for applied learning and vocational training. He has contributed to the UK’s innovation, skills and industrial policy agendas through non-executive and committee roles, including the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Make UK and as Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission which works with SMEs to improve manufacturing productivity. Most recently, he was appointed to the board of Skills England where he formally advocates for SMEs and social mobility.
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