Ian Derbyshire

Observer
DISC Type : ic

Director of Research & Technology at Baker Hughes

Derby, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Ian Derbyshire is the Director of Research & Technology at Baker Hughes, focused on technology discovery for sustainability in the aerospace and energy sectors. A Chartered Engineer with a Masters from the University of Bath, he previously held senior engineering roles at Rolls-Royce, leading complex projects like the UltraFan® demonstrator.

He is a strong advocate for open innovation and collaboration to solve the energy trilemma of sustainability, affordability, and security. He is passionate about fostering a culture of idea generation and partners with academic institutions and start-ups to drive technological development and social responsibility within his organization.

Unique fact: Ian led the technical definition and governance for the Rolls-Royce UltraFan® demonstrator engine, a next-generation jet engine.

Personality Overview

Curious

Value Driven

Example Seeker

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.  They often ask many questions and rely heavily on information and documentation. They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince.

Topics They Care About

Energy Transition
His work and public posts focus on finding innovative technology to address sustainability, affordability, and security in the energy sector for Baker Hughes.
Open Innovation
Champions an open innovation approach, running programs like 'Energy Ideas' to collaborate with start-ups and external partners to develop new technologies.
Strategic Partnerships
Actively builds and maintains relationships with academic institutions like Politecnico di Milano and strategic research partners to tackle future technology challenges.

Media Appearances

Ian has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2025
Director of Research & Technology at Baker Hughes
7-2024 - 1-2025
Global Technology Discovery Lead at Baker Hughes
6-2018 - 6-2024
Assistant Chief Design Engineer - UltraFan(R) at Rolls-Royce
5-2017 - 5-2018
Assistant Chief Design Engineer - Supplier Engineered Equipment, Controls at Rolls-Royce
8-2015 - 4-2017
Integrated Project Team Leader, Supplier Engineered Equipment at Rolls-Royce

Education

9-2003 - 6-2008
Master of Engineering - MEng from University of Bath

More Information

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Prographics :

Exp : 16 Location : Derby, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Research & Technology at Baker Hughes
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Insights For Selling To Ian

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Invite them for a social do but don’t rely solely on the relationship
  • Help them realize that there is no personal risk in making this decision
  • Persuade objectively how your product will help them achieve their goals

DONT's

  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal
  • Avoid making offhand commitments
  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ian is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ian

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ian move?

  • They like to be detailed and take their time to arrive at decisions.
  • Can Ian take some risk or not?

  • They systematically evaluate all decisions and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Ian

Personality Compatibility


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