Warwick Acoustics appoints Ian Harnett non-executive director

Warwick Acoustics wants to work with car-makers to innovate audio solutions based on new interior cabin design possibilities (Photo: Warwick Acoustics)

Longstanding senior automotive executive Ian Harnett has joined the board of audio technology company Warwick Acoustics. The firm entered the $8 billion automotive in-car audio market in 2022 following a five-year research and development programme, and wants to disrupt the sector with its ‘clean sound’ ElectroAcoustic technology. The company believes it can meet demands for improved audio and sustainability spearheaded by growth in electric vehicles via its adaptable speaker technologies, with the intention of working in-house on car-makers’ interiors.

With an automotive career that spans nearly four decades, Warwick Acoustics says Harnett brings “leading-edge expertise and high-level experience in automotive commercial negotiations, people management in organisations of scale, and a proven track record in securing and bringing online automotive production facilities in a range of countries.” The company wants him to provide leadership as the company embarks on a growth phase in the automotive sector.

Harnett was instrumental in the expansion of Jaguar Land Rover both in the UK and overseas across the last decade. Serving on the company’s main board, he oversaw sustainable growth of the UK’s largest car maker, opening a range of new production facilities outside the UK, doubling its workforce from 17,000 to around 38,000 people and more than doubling sales. His last role at Jaguar Land Rover was executive director for human resources and global purchasing. Prior to that, Harnett oversaw the purchasing team of Land Rover following Ford’s acquisition of the brand in 2000. He also worked with brands like Ford and Volvo at European level.

“I am delighted to welcome Ian to the team,” said Mike Grant, Warwick Acoustics CEO. “Ian’s stellar career – his achievements are truly remarkable – will be a rich source of inspiration, insight and acumen that we can call upon. This is an exciting time for Warwick Acoustics as we bring our technology to market. Ian’s decision to join the business is testament to the quality of the team and the disruptive potential of our proposition. We enter 2023 in great shape to capitalise on this outstanding opportunity.”

Harnett added: “This is a pioneering tech organisation that’s on a rapid upward trajectory within the automotive space. Aligned to this growth is my career background, skillset and experience in achieving commercialisation, be that realizing important customer contracts, developing partnerships and enhancing production operations. I’m delighted that the next chapter in my automotive career will be with Warwick Acoustics.”