Kevin Daffey FIMarEST
Senior Vice President, Mobile Automation & Electrical, Rolls-Royce Solutions
Kevin Daffey is responsible for Rolls-Royce Solutions Mobile Automation & Electrical leading a global team of over 150 engineers to deliver Automation, Electrical and Autonomous systems for Marine, Naval, Rail and Mining sectors. Kevin is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the marine industry, fostering innovation and efficiency. In 2020 he successfully oversaw the acquisition and integration of Servowatch Systems Ltd into RR Power Systems, strengthening Rolls-Royce’s marine automation capability. As a key member of Rolls-Royce Marine Executive Management team, Kevin, as Engineering & Technology Director at Royce-Royce Marine, also delivered £120 million in Product Development in power, propulsion, deck machinery, automation, electrical and autonomous technologies over three years, further solidifying his expertise in the sector. Kevin's extensive experience extends to the UK Ministry of Defence, where he served for three years as a Subject Matter Expert for electrical and software systems and was a trusted advisor into UK Surface ship and submarine programs, with roles in the supply chain, MOD Naval Authority, and leading independent design and technical reviews.
In 2020, Kevin Daffey became the 118th President of the Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), representing 19,000 Marine Engineers and Scientists. In 2022 Kevin became Chair of the IMarEST Board of Trustees, He has presented to the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UK Parliamentary Committees on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship, contributing significantly to discussions in the maritime and engineering spheres. In 2022, Kevin was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering for his major contributions in electric propulsion, dynamic positioning, autonomous shipping and electrical safety.