Jon Excell

C2I 2024: The late Sir David McMurtry honoured as recipient of Impact Award for Innovation Excellence

In-Depth

A brilliant engineer and serial inventor famed for his ability to think outside the box, Sir David McMurtry - who passed away in Dec 2024 - revolutionised the factory floor and helped to build one of the UK’s most successful and admired technology businesses.

Reserved, self-deprecating, and famously shy of the spotlight, Renishaw co-founder Sir David McMurtry was perhaps an unlikely engineering hero. But when it was announced late last year (Dec 2024) that he had passed away, the outpouring of tributes from industry peers, colleagues and just about anyone who had the good fortune to meet or work with him left no doubt that the world of engineering had lost one of its brightest and best-loved stars.

Born in Dublin in 1940, McMurtry began his career as an apprentice machinist and fitter at Bristol Aero Engines which ultimately became part of Rolls-Royce.

Distinguishing himself as an innovative, quick-thinking engineer he enjoyed a successful seventeen year long career at Rolls-Royce, putting his name to 47 patents, becoming the company’s youngest ever Assistant Chief of Engine Design and rising to the role of Deputy Chief Designer.

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