Rob’s automotive career started at just 16 years old, when he left school to start an apprenticeship with Jaguar Cars. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Coventry University and at 22 was working for the Dutch energy company Shell as a Drilling Engineer.
After five years spent working on oil rigs, Rob returned to dry land and joined Rover-BMW as a Project Manager. In 1998, he made the move to TRW Aeronautical Systems Group as Operations and Project Manager before, four years later, being appointed Vice President Lean Enterprise at GKN Aerospace Services, focusing on operational improvement.
Rob’s motorsport career began in 2005 when he joined Mercedes-Ilmor. Working with Ola Källenius and Andy Cowell, Rob played a key operational role as the organisation successfully morphed into Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines (now HPP).
Recognised for his role at Mercedes HPE, Rob was head-hunted in May 2010 to join the fledgling Mercedes team as Chief Operating Officer.
Crucial in pulling the team together operationally as it rapidly expanded in the early Mercedes years, Rob’s work was eventually richly rewarded, as the team claimed a historic eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships and seven consecutive Drivers’ titles.
In 2026, Rob took on the role of Managing Director as the team continued to strengthen its senior leadership group and distribute responsibilities even more effectively. Rob's remit has therefore expanded beyond Operations, and extended to include chairing and steering of the Management Committee Meeting.