Keith Thomas

Customer Relationship Manager to MG Rover for IT Infrastructure 2000 - 2002

While still working for BMW IT Services, I was responsible for ensuring the IT infrastructure proposed by BMW and to be paid for by MG Rover, was suitable and acceptable.

My work in this role also included:

• Replacement of the Wide Area Network contracts for all connectivity from the Longbridge site. These were data services to all the 290 UK Dealerships, a dial in service for the European Dealers, Frame Relay links to the 8 European Sales offices and 7 UK vehicle distribution depots.
• Design and installed a secure Internet service, to enable cost effective access for vehicle orders outside Europe. This involved configuring Firewalls, registering domain names and using Microsoft's ISA as Reverse Proxies.
• To provide a cost effective Email solution to the UK Dealerships. This was solved by installing a separate mail server running MDaemon Email software and virus scanner. It was accessible as Webmail, POP or IMAP from the UK Dealer private Network or the Internet, with 1,500 users.

Problems resolved

• Conflicts of resources where a limited skill base was working to quickly decouple the IT for all companies, but still were required to implement new projects for MG Rover.

Rover Group

1998 -2000 CAx Programme Manager - Millennium Programme

To ensure all Engineering Design applications were compliant with the Year 2000 date change. (CAx= Computer Aided Design, Test, and Engineering) This involved purchasing of UNIX test facilities, and a major system upgrade to the Engineering CAD Data Management System (EDM). Programme managing several Project Managers to ensure they were delivering to budget, and of course, time..

My work in this role also included:

• Complete audit of all electronic and computer equipment in the Rover Group.
• Assist project managers in their assessment of the risks in each category.
• Monitor progress within the CAx programme

Problems resolved

• Providing a rational view of the problems in the IT Infrastructure and electronic equipment in order for the business to judge if investment was required

1996 - 1998 Manager IT Infrastructure Liaison with BMW

To provide a link for IT Infrastructure strategy and standards, between BMW and Rover Group.

1994 - 1996 Manager Communications and Technical Services.

Managing a team of 10 technical specialists who supported IT projects and operations for the engineering and manufacturing systems of Rover Group. This included all Group data and voice communications. .

1992 - 1994 Manger IT Operational Services

Managing and Responsible for all the IT Operations for Engineering and Manufacturing Systems on Longbridge Site. This included Data Centre, IT Help Desk, Data and Voice Communications. This was all provided by 3rd parties in an outsourcing model..

1989 - 1992 Manager Manufacturing Systems and Data Communications

During this period some £250M was invested in new vehicle models and Engine and Gearbox manufacture. Responsible for the integration of shop floor systems and the build, control and maintenance applications. Installation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems.

1980 - 1989

Various roles within the Longbridge site control engineering dept. Ultimately Manager of the control engineering and group data communications department. Responsible for all factory automation projects on the Longbridge site. Managing a team of 25 technicians who provided around the clock operational support for factory automation, electronics, voice and data services.

British Steel Corporation 1965 - 1979

Started as a technical student apprentice doing a thick sandwich degree course. Covered various electrical engineering roles. My final role being the Engineering Maintenance Manager of the Rolling Mills. Responsible for all electrical civil and mechanical maintenance of a hot steel rolling mill and associated cold finishing machines. This was resourced by 40 skilled craftsmen, 6 supervisors and 2 technical managers. In 1979 the plant closed and I was made redundant. Took the opportunity to gain an MSc at Aston University.

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