Speaker Bio’s
Explore the expertise and insights of our speakers, who will share their knowledge and perspectives on the latest advancements and challenges in sustainable ceramics.
Event Host: Sepi Golzari-Munro
Sepi is an analyst, writer and broadcaster best known for her work on climate change, energy and the net zero transition. She works at the nexus between business, Government and the public to help drive a prosperous clean energy transition. Her experience in senior positions across NGO, private and public sectors, at international and national levels, has given her the grounding to solve tricky problems and communicate complex ideas with clarity.
She has co-presented on BBC Radio 4’s flagship environment programme, featured in documentaries and televised debates, and provides regular commentary for major media networks, publications and live events including Glastonbury Festival, UN climate conferences and party political conferences.
She is host of the newly launched ‘Public Knowledge’ podcast. You can find her on LinkedIn, Bluesky or (more likely) walking the Scottish mountains and coastline.
Hannah Ault
Ceramics UK President
Hannah Ault proudly serves as the first female President of Ceramics UK, bringing with her a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future growth of the British ceramics industry.
With extensive experience in ceramics manufacturing and business leadership, Hannah is widely respected for her leadership as Managing Director of Valentine Clays and has played a pivotal role in the company’s success by championing sustainable practices, supporting emerging makers, and promoting UK ceramics on a global stage.
A passionate advocate for progress, Hannah is actively involved in shaping the Delivering Net Zero agenda. Her leadership is focused on helping the industry reduce its environmental impact while preserving the craftsmanship, quality, and heritage that define British ceramics.
Hannah’s appointment marks a significant and progressive chapter for Ceramics UK. Her mission is to cultivate a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for the sector, one that thrives on collaboration, supports the next generation of makers, and leads with purpose.
Dr Andrew McDermott
Ceramics UK Deputy Chief Executive
Dr Andrew McDermott is Deputy Chief Executive at Ceramics UK, where he leads on technical issues, including energy and climate matters.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and chairs the IOM3 Ceramics Society. Over the last 25 years, he’s worked in many technical roles within the industry, at companies spanning both traditional and advanced ceramics.
Lee Brownsword
Ceramics UK Associate Director - Industrial & Environmental Policy
Lee has worked at Ceramics UK for the last 11-years across many technical issues affecting UK ceramic manufacturers and industry suppliers. With over 20 years’ experience in climate, energy and environmental policy / regulation / compliance, industry decarbonisation is a key focus; and he has recently led on a range of activities including update to the UK Ceramics Industry Decarbonisation Roadmap, SME Outreach Support Programme plus other sector advocacy.
Richard Goodhead
Lucideon Chief Marketing Officer
Richard has over 30 years of industry experience, working in a variety of engineering, business development, and marketing roles in Formula 1 (Tyrrell), Aerospace (Rolls-Royce), and Consultancy (Talisman). He progressed from engineer to executive while at RR, including three years in Seattle with Boeing, eventually assuming responsibility as SVP leading all RR’s Civil Aerospace marketing activities. In 2020, he founded Talisman, offering specialist consultant expertise to companies developing complex technologies. He joined Lucideon in July 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, where he is responsible for all marketing activities across the Lucideon Group, including Product Marketing, Marketing Communications, and Strategy. He has a Master’s degree in Engineering from Cambridge University, has an MBA, is a Chartered Engineer, and is a member of both The Royal Aeronautical Society and Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Clare Jackson
Hydrogen UK Chief Executive Officer
Clare is one of the leading voices in hydrogen in the UK. She launched the Hydrogen UK, the UK trade association for hydrogen, which is leading the national debate on the role of hydrogen in meeting net zero and working with industry leaders, Ministers and civil servants on the next steps required to scale hydrogen in the UK. Clare has an extensive network across the hydrogen space, working with many organisations and companies to advise on how to capitalise on the opportunities presented by hydrogen.
Jonathan Morris
NESO Strategic Insight Lead on the Future Energy Scenarios (FES)
Jonathan is a Strategic Insight Lead on the Future Energy Scenarios (FES) publication at the National Energy System Operator (NESO). FES is a whole energy publication, in which NESO model and analyses the changes and actions required for Great Britain to reach net zero. In his role, Jonathan engages with energy stakeholders, identifies direction for the analysis, and pulls out the key insights to bring to the forefront of FES. Prior to this, Jonathan worked at Energy Systems Catapult across a variety of energy modelling and innovation projects, serving clients in industry and government. He also conducted combustion research at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with power station operators and material suppliers, to turn innovation into practice.
