James Dawson Darragh Parker

UK rubber engineering group James Dawson has appointed Daragh Parker to the newly created role of head of innovation & technology.

He has a track record of delivering new rubber technology products and helping customers develop next generation products for new and existing markets.

Graduating from Loughborough with a degree in engineering, science and technology, Parker began his career as a product developer with Huxley Bertram.

He then joined Manus (Tetra-Laval Group) in France to head up the development of innovative and, subsequently, rubber teat agricultural milking solutions.

A change of direction saw Parker start his own innovative solar heating business in France, before he was approached by Avon Rubber to head up technology and innovation.